Peter and Norma Dalgerty could have never imagined how much the University of Mobile (UM) would become a part of their family’s life when their oldest child enrolled there.
Before long, Scott Dalgerty had not only graduated from UM in 1995 but also earned a master’s degree there in 1999. Claiming UM as a home away from home in Dixons Mill, three more of the Dalgerty siblings also graduated from or are currently studying at UM, with the fifth also planning to enroll there.
“UM has become a real family connection for all of us, a central meeting ground,” said Scott Dalgerty, 27, who now works at the university as director of information services.
Mark Dalgerty graduated from UM in 1998 and sister Kathryn Dalgerty is a junior there. Already a sophomore, the youngest Dalgerty brother, John, is only 17. The Dalgerty’s other daughter, Jennifer, is 16 and plans to enroll at UM in the fall of 2001.
“Going to the same school has given us another common thread,” Mark said of his years there. “We will have lots of memories at UM.”
“Most of my favorite memories are of spending time here (at UM) with my brothers… this place reminds me of how much I love my family,” said Kathryn.
“I think the age different (the Dalgertys range in age from 16-27) is just right,” said John.
“We all have one really close sibling; no one is left out. And it is that cooperation they say has helped them in pursuing their love of music, which they all share.
“John taught me the basics of the bass guitar, so I practiced and figured a lot of stuff out on my own,” Jennifer said. “Then when he came back home on break, I surprised him by how much I had improved. Now we play together sometimes.”
Discussing their love of music, the siblings say it was furthered through their education at UM. Scott attended the university after being awarded a scholarship with UM’s singing group Vision. Brother Mark was involved in the school’s pep band, as well as the jazz band and wind ensemble and Kathryn is studying piano composition.
(UM)
Share with others: