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Father, son earn same degree at SCC

By Rose Hooper
Graduation Father and son, Jerry Rice III (left) and Jerry Rice IV, both graduated from Southwestern Community College May 10 with a degree in computer information systems. Father and son graduated together from Southwestern Community College the other night. That's unique.

But here's what makes this story even more unique: They both have the same name - Jerry Rice - and they both graduated with the same degree - computer information systems.

"I know they are my son and grandson, but you have to admit, it's pretty unique, don't you think?" said Polly Rice, wife of yet another Jerry Rice.

All of the Rices live in a close proximity to one another in Cullowhee. The oldest Jerry is 82; the youngest, 22.

"When we are all over at dad's and the phone rings and somebody asks for 'Jerry Rice,' we say, 'Which one?'" said Rice III, who graduated from Cullowhee High School in 1977.

"The past few years I decided I needed to get into computers," said Rice III, who has spent most of his life working in electronics. "About two years ago the opportunity presented itself for me to go back to school, so I decided to take the same computer program as my son. I thought it might motivate him a little more."

"Having dad in my class was good for both of us," the youngest Rice said. "I learned from him and he learned from me."

"But I made better grades - all As," Rice III interjected.

Father and son even studied together, complementing each other with what they knew.

"Oh, we argue together like parent and child, but we are really best friends," they agree.

"Some folks think it is unusual that we can work together," said Rice III. "I can see their point. Now I love my dad, he's a retired professor from Western. But I sure couldn't work with him."

Now that they have graduated, the younger Rices are working toward their certifications and looking for jobs.

"We need gainful employment," they both stressed. "Separately or as a team."

Back to Archive: 06/06/02.