Payton Kuhn (left) and Diane Maca (right) take a photo on the Commencement stage with Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President, after receiving their diplomas.
Last week marked a remarkable moment for 71-year-old Diane Maca and her 19-year-old granddaughter, Payton Kuhn, as they both graduated from Lake-Sumter State College with their Associate in Arts degrees.
On May 8th in the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, four generations of family attended the 71st Commencement Ceremony to watch Diane and Payton cross the stage side-by-side and earn their diplomas.
“Diane and Payton’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is truly transformational at any stage of life,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President of Lake-Sumter State College. “This special experience speaks to our commitment to empower students to achieve their goals and inspire change in our community. We are proud to have been part of their story and look forward to seeing all they accomplish.”
For Diane, the moment was more than just a personal achievement. It was the culmination of a lifelong journey, shaped by a belief in the power of education. The daughter of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, Diane was raised with a deep appreciation for the American dream. Though her parents never made it beyond an eighth-grade education, they instilled in her the importance of earning a college degree.
To make her graduation even more meaningful, Diane’s 98-year-old mother, Stella Strusinski, was in attendance to proudly watch her daughter and great-granddaughter graduate.
“I’ve taken college courses off and on for years,” said Maca. “But when I met with the staff at LSSC and they helped map out a path forward, I knew I was finally going to finish what I started. And to do it alongside my granddaughter made it even more special.”
Diane isn’t finished yet. Now just nine credits away from completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership, she continues to take classes at LSSC while proudly watching three of her grandchildren pursue their own college paths. She believes it’s never too late to follow your dreams and hopes her story inspires others to keep learning, no matter their age.
Payton is preparing to transfer to the University of Central Florida with the goal of attending veterinary school at the University of Florida. A passionate horse lover, she plans to become an equine veterinarian. While at LSSC, she and her grandmother created memories that brought them even closer.
“At first, it was a little awkward going to college with my grandma,” Kuhn laughed. “But it turned out to be a really cool experience. We’ve had fun together, and it’s something I’ll always cherish. My friends all love her and she fit right in.”
Diane and Payton’s accomplishment is a family milestone that showcases the value of an education at any age and the special connections that happen through learning.
At Lake-Sumter State College, students can find not only the resources and support to pursue their goals, but also a community that celebrates students at every stage of their life. Their experience reminds us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and turn them into reality.
