Husband and Wife Graduate Together, Thank Lifelong Mentors

Sebastian and Jessica Jimenez recently graduated together as they walked the stage at Keiser University’s Statewide Ceremony held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

The Wesley Chapel, Florida couple credits mentors for their support as they worked to realize their dream.

A United States Army Veteran who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, Sebastian thanks Sergeant Desmond Johnson, his former Army team leader for his support. “He pushed me to succeed and continue to work on my education, always motivating me,” said Sebastian who is employed as a Sergeant at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution and plans to further his education by earning his master’s degree in the field. “I have always had a passion for public safety and helping others ever since I was a kid. Right after graduating high school, I joined the Army. After my service, I decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement,” he said.

The two are also grateful to family members who encouraged them and helped pave the way.

“Earning a professional degree has always been a dream of mine,” said Jessica who earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management. “Growing up, my dad inspired me by becoming an engineer, as well as my mom who was a successful Director of Sales, so I wanted to set the same example for my kids,” she said.

The couple developed a study routine that seemed to mesh well with their family’s schedule.

“On Fridays and Saturdays, we would have fun nights at home, buying snacks and letting the kids watch movies or play video games while my husband and I would work on our laptops. We often asked each other about our assignments, making it a little competitive to see who could finish all their homework first. On days when one of us felt tired and still had work to do, the other would offer encouragement and remind them to stay focused on the end goal,” said Jessica.

While sharing that they chose Keiser University because of its reputation, small class sizes, and flexible schedules, Jessica said that the challenge of pursuing college degrees while working full time has had its silver linings, as she and Sebastian have already been able to apply their classroom experiences towards career opportunities and advancement. While choosing to pursue a degree in Human Resource Management because she was attracted to its ‘human aspect,’ a component of her prior organizational psychology degree tract, Jessica looks forward to preparing for her Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.

The key to success, Jessica says, is to persevere. “We recommend setting clear goals and staying committed, even when things get tough. Celebrating small wins is also very important while keeping the end goal in mind. Remember that the hard work will pay off in the long run.”

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration is intended to prepare career-focused students with in-depth knowledge of business principles. Students are offered a well-rounded business education as they learn the key content areas of the functional areas of business, the business environment, and technical, communication, and career advancement skills to prosper in a diverse business environment.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides preparation in many areas of the criminal justice system. Topics include but are not limited to deviant behavior, forensics, law enforcement and investigation, victimology, private security, corrections, juvenile justice, and how components work together and are governed by our laws, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution. The exploration of the American criminal justice system culminates with an emphasis on research, analysis, and the future of the system.

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Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
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A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

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