Family celebrates multiple generations of Wayne State graduates during Spring 2024 commencement

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To say that Wayne State College has been a family affair for Alex McRae of South Sioux City would be an understatement.

 McRae earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Wayne State on May 4, joining several in his family who have graduated from Wayne State College.

His aunt, Angela (Willers) Nuss, earned her master’s degree in Exercise Science in 2021, and she is currently an adjunct faculty member at Wayne State. Cindia (Carlson) Willers, Angela’s mother, earned her bachelor’s degree in Art in 1984, and Jeanette (McPherran) Carlson, Cindia’s mother, earned her bachelor’s degree in 1978 with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Adams McPherran, Jeanette’s father, earned his degree in 1908 from Wayne Normal College. He was extremely interested in politics, and he was a distant relative of John Adams – the second president of the United States.

Alex’s father, Tony, also earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2009. He is currently a teacher in the Vermillion School District in Vermillion, South Dakota.