Mother, son to graduate together from KCON

A mother-son duo who started classes together in the Kirkhof College of Nursing in 2010 will earn degrees at the December 6 commencement.

Jennifer Zoeteman is receiving a doctor of nursing practice degree, and her son, Matt Zoeteman, is receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Purdue University in 1989 and a master’s degree in nursing from Grand Valley in 2002. She is an affiliate professor of nursing for KCON.

“My mom was a big influence in my decision to pursue nursing,” Matt said. “She would come home from work with such fascinating stories. I quickly realized how much opportunity I could have in the nursing field.”

Jennifer said having her son in the BSN program has helped her better understand the undergraduate students she teaches. “I experienced the competitive admission process, so I know the challenges my students face with rigorous coursework and long clinical hours,” she said.

Matt said he appreciated having his mother around for motivation while he was in the upper-level program the past two and a half years. “My mom is someone I can relate to,” he said. “She’s someone I can talk to when I’m either up or down. She constantly encouraged me as I strived to complete the program.”

Even at different educational levels, the pair had similar assignments and struggles. “We both had discussion boards, papers, and tests,” Jennifer said. Adding to that, Matt said it was nice to have someone on the same schedule. “We are both always at the hospital,” he said. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to on the drive home who is truly interested in what you did and the unique patients you cared for.”

After graduation, Jennifer plans to continue teaching and working as a nurse practitioner. Matt plans to work as a registered nurse and to pursue a graduate degree next fall.

While the two never imagined they would graduate together, they were glad to have each other for support throughout the past four years. “It’s easier when there are other people in your family going to college at the same time,” Matt said. “My brother is also an undergraduate student at Grand Valley.”

The pair is thrilled to be walking in commencement on the same day. “Graduating with your son is a rare experience,” Jennifer said. Matt agreed, “I did not expect to graduate from college with my mom. It will be a day we will not soon forget!”