Rutgers University has witnessed countless graduations over its long history. However, one mother-daughter pair stands alone with a truly unique achievement.
Inez Phillips Durham and her daughter, Jennifer Durham, are the first parent-child duo to both earn doctorates in psychology from Rutgers. Their shared accomplishment represents decades of dedication, sacrifice, and educational excellence.
Celebrating 50 Years at GSAPP Gala
The mother-daughter duo recently attended a significant milestone celebration. The gala marked the 50th anniversary of Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP).
Both women reflected on the institution’s profound impact on their careers. The event honored not just the school’s history but the lives it transformed.
For Inez, attending the celebration brought her journey full circle. She could measure her success through the generations of lives she’d touched professionally.
The True Reward: Lives Positively Influenced
Inez doesn’t measure fulfillment through accolades or professional titles. Instead, she finds meaning in the lives she’s positively influenced over decades.
A testament to this impact arrived this past Christmas. A former client reached out after 50 years simply to express gratitude.
“My fulfillment comes from witnessing people flourish—both emotionally and socially,” Inez told Rutgers in an interview. These moments validate her life’s work more than any degree ever could.
GSAPP Offered an Extraordinary Learning Environment
Inez credits the graduate school with providing more than education. “GSAPP offered me a chance to truly make a difference; it was an extraordinary environment for learning,” she stated.
The program equipped her with tools to create real change. Theory met practice in ways that prepared her for complex clinical work.
That extraordinary environment would later welcome her daughter. The family’s connection to GSAPP spans two generations of mental health professionals.
Inez Enrolls as Rutgers’ Only Black Student in 1953
The family’s Rutgers connection began decades before GSAPP existed. Now 91, Inez first enrolled at the New Jersey College for Women in 1953.
This was the university’s women’s college before full coeducation arrived in 1972. Inez was the college’s only Black student during her enrollment.
Notably, she was not assigned a roommate during her time there. The racial dynamics of 1950s America played out in this deliberate isolation.
Making Lemonade From Lemons
Inez understood the unspoken reasons behind her housing situation. “Nothing was put in writing, but I knew why,” she reflected when speaking with Rutgers.
Rather than letting discrimination derail her education, she chose resilience. “My attitude was: If you were given a lemon, you make lemonade,” she stated.
This philosophy would carry her through multiple degrees and decades of challenges. She refused to let barriers define her potential or limit her aspirations.
Elected Class President Before 1957 Graduation
Despite facing isolation as the only Black student, Inez earned her peers’ respect. She was elected class president before earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1957.
This leadership position demonstrated her ability to overcome racial barriers. Her classmates recognized her capabilities regardless of prevailing prejudices.
She continued her education at Rutgers immediately. In 1961, she obtained a master’s degree in social work from the university.
Pursuing a Doctorate While Raising a Child Alone
Much later, in 1984, Inez completed her doctorate in psychology from GSAPP. However, the journey to that degree included immense personal hardship.
Her husband, John, died of a heart attack in 1975. Inez suddenly faced raising her daughter Jennifer alone while pursuing advanced education.
She achieved all of this as a single mother with limited resources. The dual demands of parenting and doctoral work required extraordinary determination.
Working Three Jobs to Support Her Doctorate
To support herself and Jennifer financially, Inez worked multiple jobs simultaneously. She served as a psychotherapist, bringing her growing expertise to clients.
She also worked as a school social worker, helping students navigate challenges. Additionally, she taught tennis to supplement her income.
“I did it by the grace of God,” Inez recounted honestly. “I prayed every day for the determination to get that degree. It wasn’t easy, but we managed.”
Jennifer’s Independence Made the Dream Possible
Inez acknowledges that her success required sacrifice from Jennifer too. “I say ‘we’ because Jennifer had to be more independent,” she explained.
The medical science library became their shared space frequently. Inez focused on her dissertation while Jennifer completed homework nearby.
This arrangement kept them together while allowing both to accomplish their work. Jennifer gained independence while supporting her mother’s educational journey.
A Mother-Sister Dynamic Forms Through Adversity
Jennifer describes their relationship as uniquely close beyond typical mother-daughter bonds. “We had a unique relationship starting when my dad passed away. I was with her a lot,” she told the university.
Jennifer characterizes their dynamic as “mother-sister” rather than strictly parental. The shared struggle created deep understanding and partnership.
“When I had off from school, I went to work with her. She was my first role model, really of what a leader was,” Jennifer added. She witnessed her mother’s strength daily.
Jennifer Follows Her Mother’s Path Eight Years Later
Jennifer pursued her own psychology doctorate inspired by her mother’s example. In 1992, eight years after Inez earned her degree, Jennifer received her Ph.D. from GSAPP.
The accomplishment created Rutgers’ first parent-child doctoral pair. “Jennifer and I were the first parent-child to graduate from GSAPP. I’m very proud of that,” Inez shared.
The significance took time to fully appreciate. “It sunk in how unique this was for us,” Jennifer reflected on their historic achievement.
Encouragement to Aim Higher Than Initially Planned
Jennifer initially considered pursuing a master’s in social work like her mother had. However, Inez encouraged her to set her sights higher.
“When I considered going for my MSW, she encouraged me go for my PsyD,” Jennifer recalled. That guidance proved transformative.
“It’s the best decision I ever made,” Jennifer stated emphatically. The doctorate opened doors that a master’s degree couldn’t have.
Jennifer Returns as Rutgers Professor in 2020
Jennifer’s Rutgers connection came full circle when she returned as faculty. She joined the university as a professor in 2020.
She’s passionately dedicated to equipping students with essential skills. Her focus centers on reducing educational and mental health inequality affecting marginalized youth.
Jennifer directly credits this profound mission to her mother’s inspiring influence. Inez’s life modeled how psychology could serve communities most in need.
Service as Core Family Value
The Durham women share a fundamental commitment beyond professional achievement. “One of our main things is service. Always, always, always give back,” Jennifer said.
This principle defines their approach to psychology and life. “That was core to who she is, and she passed that on to me,” Jennifer continued.
“That’s a big part of our family and why Rutgers resonates with her so much,” she explained. Service connects their personal values to institutional mission.
A Legacy Measured in Lives Changed
Inez’s 91 years include extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments. She broke racial barriers, earned multiple degrees, and raised a daughter who followed her path.
However, her legacy extends far beyond these individual achievements. It lives in the clients she helped over decades of practice.
It continues through Jennifer, who now trains the next generation of psychologists. The Durham women prove that service, determination, and education can transform families and communities across generations.