FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Senior Walk at the University of Arkansas is a unique tradition where graduates of the university get their names carved into the sidewalks on campus.
After Saturday’s Spring 2024 College of Education & Health Professions Commencement, the Sandidge family will have five sisters’ names etched into stone.
"Today is my baby sister's graduation, we're 20 years apart,” said VaShonda Eason, LCSW, an alum of the university and founder of Eason Counseling and Associates. “She will complete the circle for my mom, where we have all received at least a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas.”
VaShonda, the eldest of the five Sandidge sisters, was on campus along with the rest of her family to watch her youngest sister, ArRionda, graduate from the University of Arkansas with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Along with the former two, ShaRonda, CarLonda, and YaLaunda also obtained their degrees from the university.
The tradition of attending the U of A, however, started with mom.
"It all started back in 1995 when I attended here for a paralegal certification,” Shenel Sandidge said. “I never would have thought 25, almost 30 years later, the legacy will continue through all of our girls, from the oldest to the youngest."
When Shenel attended the university for her certification, she brought along her husband Carl and daughters as well. During that time, the family fell in love with Fayetteville.
“When we first came, it was during the fall, and it was so pretty here,” Shenel said. “The lights, the trees, everything was so beautiful. This college on a hill. When the girls were younger, they fell in love with it, so they began to call it ‘our city.’”
Shenel adds that the words “I can’t” are not allowed in the home. Instead, she and her husband pushed the girls to be the best versions of themselves they could be, and that all starts with being educated.
“Before you start a family, before you marry, get your education, and then you bring something to the table,” advice Shenel and Carl gave to their kids. “You still need to be bringing something to the table, so we encouraged them as young ladies to make sure that they have the education. To this extreme, I didn't imagine, but I'm glad that they followed and listened, because it's benefiting them."
In total, the Sandidge family now has a total of six bachelor's and two master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas.
ArRionda says following in her family’s legacy is an accomplishment she is extremely proud of.
“From the start, I knew that I was gonna be a Razorback,” ArRionda said. “It makes me extremely proud. I'm very happy to be a part of this family. I'm very happy that I'm the one that can come in and close the door, and I have so much to look up to. They are absolutely amazing.”
Mom Shenel said now that she and her husband Carl have done their part in helping their children succeed, it’s time for them to relax.
“It's really emotional for me, because this is the last one,” Shenel said. “Now we can leave, we can retire and live. We got them out and we gave them a boost and a head start, and they finished the course themselves. We're proud of that"
A love for family, a love for the Razorbacks, and a legacy over 20 years in the making.
"They can continue the legacy, with education being the core,” Shenel said. “And also, just being successful in what you do and being an example to other young ladies that they can get it done."
ArRionda is currently working as a chemotherapy nurse in Florida. She added that she is thinking about pursuing a master’s or PhD, having seen her sisters exceed in higher education.
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.