The Joneses keep up with each other
For Jordan Jones and his daughter, Lauren Jones, this year’s commencement will be a family affair.
The pair will earn master’s degrees from the Emergency and Security Studies program offered by the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA). They have studied side by side throughout every class.
Before taking part in the Unified Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 19 — Jordan Jones’ 56th birthday — in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they will be introduced together at the Graduate Hooding and Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 18, in McAlister Auditorium.
“We have been there to support each other throughout our separate journeys in this program.”
— Lauren Jones
“There has been no better experience than having class with my dad,” said Lauren Jones. “We have been there to support each other throughout our separate journeys in this program.”
After attending Southeastern Louisiana University’s undergraduate criminal justice program, she decided to pursue a profession in security and enrolled in the Emergency and Security Studies program as the first step toward her goal.
Jordan Jones also aimed to advance his career through the program, which provides a comprehensive overview of homeland security and emergency management.
“I’m a general manager for a company that provides officers who protect the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve for the Department of Energy,” he said. “In order for me to compete with my peers, I needed to either complete a certification or an advanced degree, so that was an impetus for me joining the program.”
Throughout their courses, the Joneses have teamed up to encourage each other and their fellow classmates.
“Typically, we’ll make study guides together and distribute them to our classmates,” said Lauren Jones. “There have also been a lot of late nights studying at Howard-Tilton, and we’ve even gone to The Boot together to celebrate after class.”
The pair will spend the summer completing the remaining online course needed to finish the 18-month-long program, which they’ll complete in July.
