A commencement that couldn’t wait
For Kerry Carr, the chance to officially graduate from The University of Texas at Arlington could not come soon enough.
The University recently held a special early commencement for Carr so that his wife, who is in hospice care for ovarian cancer, could see him graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history. At a ceremony in Grand Prairie before friends, family, UTA representatives and, most importantly his wife, Basilia, Carr received his diploma, capping a years-long educational journey.
“Seeing him night after night staying up knowing he has to be at work at 6 o’clock in the morning … there’s no way I could do it,” said Basilia, 44. “I am very proud of him for sticking through it.”
The couple found out in April that Basilia’s condition is terminal, and the couple was unsure if she would make it to UTA’s commencement ceremonies on Dec. 15. That’s when UTA stepped in, agreeing to hold a special private ceremony so Basilia could see her husband graduate. Tamara Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Elizabeth Terese Newman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, presented Carr with his diploma.
Carr, 47, a teacher’s aide at Kennedale Junior High, said his goal is to be a history teacher and high school coach.
“My wonderful wife has been my rock and sometimes had to give me a push to keep going,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without her.”