Martin University celebrated a mother-daughter duo during spring commencement.
Denise Johnson and her daughter Janelle Johnson were among 48 graduates of Martin University’s 56th commencement ceremony, which took place at the Father Boniface Hardin Gathertoirum on May 31. The mother-daughter duo both pursued a degree in business administration.
“It took me almost ten years to finish my degree, but my daughter was my constant inspiration to get me through,” Denise Johnson said in a statement.
Martin University, Indiana’s only predominantly Black Institution of higher education, was founded in 1977 to educate and develop “diverse workforce-ready students in an inclusive, supportive and collegiate environment,” according to a press release. The University’s vision includes elevating the landscape while providing transformative opportunities, inclusive support and services to its communities.
During the 56th commencement ceremony, Martin University awarded bachelor’s degrees to 26 undergraduate students in various fields, including teacher’s prep, health care management and business administration. Master’s degrees in fields such as community psychology and organizational leadership were awarded to an additional 22 graduate students.
Martin University also conferred honorary doctorates to community leaders A’Lelia Bundles and Alan Henderson
“I didn’t go straight through college,” Janelle Johnson said in a statement. “I went to school in 2018 and dropped out twice, so didn’t think I was going to finish either. It just so happened that we finished at the same time.”
Both Deniese and Janelle Johnson graduated with honors.
For more information, visit martin.edu.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
