Father-son duo graduates from UT Arlington with master's degrees

ARLINGTON, Texas - Graduation is a family affair for one North Texas family.

A father and son are walking the same stage Friday night after receiving the same degree.

The two have been classmates for the past two years at UT Arlington while working on their master’s degrees.

Oswaldo Ortiz Sr. and Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. watched a bit of the university’s early ceremony while gearing up for their own. 

"Getting to know him, not just as a dad, but as a student, as a peer, it’s something I’ll cherish forever," Oswaldo Sr. said.

Oswaldo Jr. is 24 years old. And just like his dad, he has a fascination with all things high-tech. While he is currently employed by Citibank, his dad works for Microsoft. 

"I wanted to take the next step in my career," Oswaldo Jr. said. "My mentors recommended that I do my MBA. I was just mentioning it to my dad, and he said, ‘You know what would be cool? If we did it together!’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, right.’"

So what started in jest became reality — but not without its challenges. Oswaldo, Sr. got his engineering undergrad degree some 30 years ago.

"I had my son by my side. He was my co-pilot," he said. "He always was by my side because education has changed from 30 years ago. Computers in Mexico City were just starting, and now it’s a basic tool."

The two took many of the same courses, studied and collaborated. Now, they are ready to go further in the world of IT with an MBA under their belts.

"It’s good to know it’s all worth it in the end," said Oswaldo Jr.

"This is the most proudest moment of my life," said Oswaldo Sr.