Skip to main content

SNHU Spotlight: Heather and Kayleigh Maier, Mother and Daughter Grads

Heather and Kayleigh Maier holding their diplomas at the SNHU graduationAfter breaking her leg, Heather Maier '23 went through surgery and spent several weeks in a cast — and then a boot — while recovering. "I just started walking a few weeks ago," she said.

Thankfully, she healed just in time to cross the stage at Commencement with her daughter, Kayleigh Maier '23, by her side. "We're here to graduate," Kayleigh said. "I'm feeling excited, nervous, but mostly just extremely proud of me and my mom."

The mother and daughter duo attended Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) at the same time — but in different ways. While Heather earned her bachelor's in accounting online, Kayleigh attended SNHU on campus while earning her bachelor's in English and creative writing with a fiction concentration and a minor in education.

Initially, Heather wasn't planning to attend Commencement in person. Her daughter changed her mind. "When we found out we were graduating at the same time, Kayleigh convinced me to walk with her," she said.

Kayleigh, on the other hand, had been envisioning walking the stage with her mom since the beginning. "It means a lot that she's going to be walking with me," Kayleigh said. "I'm so proud of her."

Their journeys started a few years prior when Heather decided to earn her degree through SNHU's partnership with her employer, a local hospital. "When I found out I could get a little bit of a discount on tuition, I just grabbed onto it," she said.


Aspiring Author Shares her SNHU Commencement Story

As for Kayleigh? SNHU was the only school she applied to. "I fell in love with the campus. It's beautiful," she said. She noted she particularly appreciated the atmosphere — and as an English student, she loved the library. "That's what really drew me in because I knew I was going to be a commuter," said Kayleigh.

She was working two jobs while going to school and said support from her family helped her finish her degree and jumpstart her career. "I've been able to get a very good job post-graduation that I start in a week," Kayleigh said.

Despite challenges — like broken bones — Heather and Kayleigh stayed committed and turned their goals into accomplishments with just a little help. "You have your support system, you gather your people around you, and you just go for it," Heather said. "The only thing that you can regret is what you don't do — what you don't try."

A degree can change your life. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.

Explore more content like this article

David Wallace, a 2025 SNHU graduate who earned his bachelors in business administration wearing his cap and gown in front of a yellow background.

SNHU Spotlight: David Wallace, BS in Business Administration Grad

Meet David Wallace ’25. He earned his bachelor’s in business administration at SNHU, fulfilling a promise to his late wife, who encouraged him to finish college. A year and a half after her passing, he crossed the Commencement stage carrying both his diploma and her memory.
Three marketing professionals sitting around a white office table, discussing a product.

What Are the 4 Ps of Marketing and Are They Relevant?

The four Ps of marketing refer to the traditional elements surrounding a service or product that a business owner or marketer has to consider and evaluate to succeed. Although the four Ps are still relevant, there's a lot more to consider when developing a marketing strategy.
A blue background with a yellow graphic gear in the center surrounded by a graphic bullseye, sandglass and check list

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project managers make things happen. They plan, execute and oversee tasks to achieve project goals. They coordinate teams, manage resources, monitor progress and ensure timely delivery while mitigating risks. They are a key part of many businesses, teams and projects.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.