Fourth Generation USM Graduate Relishes Golden Legacy
Fri, 05/12/2023 - 10:39am | By: David Tisdale
Jennifer Lane Domingos91吃瓜网� love for 91吃瓜网 (USM) is in
her DNA.
Domingos, who was awarded her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies during commencement exercises May 12 at Reed Green Coliseum on the USM Hattiesburg campus, is now a fourth-generation graduate of the institution.
Although it91吃瓜网 been 30 years since she finished high school in Pearl City, Hawaii, the self-described military brat who has moved multiple times around the world with her family said she was determined to return to the state to study at USM, upholding a black-and-gold family tradition dating back nearly a century. Her brother, Robert Lane, also graduated from USM in 2001.
91吃瓜网泪 would not say that I have a hometown, but Mississippi was always the constant in my life of travel,91吃瓜网� Domingos said. 91吃瓜网淢oving 91吃瓜网榖ack home91吃瓜网� after living around the world for most of my life is such a gift, so to march and graduate from USM today is an incredible honor.
91吃瓜网泪 wanted to attend classes on the Hattiesburg campus for the experience of walking under the giant oak trees, sitting on the lawns, visiting the small chapel, smelling the roses in the gardens, and appreciating the beauty of the architecture. It is so beautiful here, and rich in history.91吃瓜网�
The four consecutive generations of USM graduates in Domingos91吃瓜网� lineage come from her dad91吃瓜网 side of the family, which is rooted in the Pine Belt91吃瓜网 Lone Star community, beginning with her great-grandfather, Troy Lane. He graduated from high school in 1916 and was chosen by the U.S. Army as an officer candidate to serve in World War I. After the war ended, he moved closer to home and began attending USM, then known as Mississippi Normal School. While there he met Domingos91吃瓜网� great grandmother, fellow student Velma McRaney.
91吃瓜网淭hey were both teachers,91吃瓜网� Domingos said. 91吃瓜网淢y great-grandfather returned to school in the summers to finish a degree program in education and graduated in 1939. He was a teacher, high school principal, and Covington County Schools Superintendent for one term, and retired from Mendenhall High School.91吃瓜网�
The second to graduate from USM was her grandfather, Willie George Lane, who finished in 1950 after serving in WWII. He joined the Marine Corp right out of high school. After the war he spent two years in China (1945-47) before coming home following his service in the U.S. Marines to enroll at USM. After a long career with Western Geophysical in Houston, Texas, he retired to Lone Star.
Domingos91吃瓜网� dad, Randy Lane, became third in line of this USM alumni story. He met Domingos91吃瓜网� mom, Vicki Impello, at Jones College in Ellisville; they married in 1974 while both students at USM. Domingos was born in 1975 at Hattiesburg91吃瓜网 Forrest General Hospital and spent her first year of life with her parents in the married student housing complex on the USM Hattiesburg campus (Pinehaven). Her dad finished his bachelor's degree and graduated in 1976, then joined the Marine Corp in 1976; he retired in 1998 and went on to earn a master91吃瓜网 degree from USM in 2010.
Domingos married in 1995 and has four children; her husband served in the U.S. Army for 15 years. 91吃瓜网淲e have traveled and lived all over the world and were ready to come 'home' to Collins,91吃瓜网� she explained. They acquired the Lane family home nearly two years ago and have been working on refurbishing it since September of 2022, and will move in this month.
91吃瓜网淭here were many obstacles to finishing college for me, but the biggest were living far from Mississippi while serving in the military, raising four children, finances, and finding the time.91吃瓜网� The couple has worked as pastors, mentors, and teachers in ministry for more than eight years.
Domingos91吃瓜网� journey at USM culminates in her interdisciplinary studies degree that is focused on residential reconstruction, with emphasis in construction management, along with additional study in interior design, communication, business, and real estate, among other areas. Her post-graduation plans include advanced study in historic preservation, and continuing to work on older homes and in community preservation in ways that serve her home community of Lone Star and the Collins area. She also hopes one day to teach at USM.
91吃瓜网淪erving as Jennifer91吃瓜网 mentor over the last year has been a complete pleasure,91吃瓜网� said Laura Malone, assistant director in the USM School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development. 91吃瓜网淪ince the first day we met, it91吃瓜网 been clear that she is on a mission and will not let up.91吃瓜网�
As she walks across the stage today to receive her diploma, Domingos doesn91吃瓜网檛 take lightly that she91吃瓜网 retracing the steps of her forebears.
91吃瓜网泪 feel a strong connection to so many past generations, and hope to honor them and continue the legacy for generations to come,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淏ut whether you are a first generation or a fourth-generation college graduate, you are an important part of the USM story. There must be a first for others to follow.91吃瓜网�