Redbird Legacy: Being classmates brought mother and daughter closer together

Cheering from the audience above a sea of black caps and brightly colored cords, Benedicte Kazigwa ’23 watched her mother receive a master’s degree knowing her own graduation was only a semester away. Edna Milanga ’21, MBA ’23, and her daughter attended Illinois State at the same time. 

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Illinois State: Spring 2024

Originally from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Milanga started her academic journey at Heartland Community College, earning an associate degree and making her way through English as a second language classes before transferring to Illinois State to earn a bachelor’s degree in international business. Milanga later enrolled in Illinois State’s MBA program. Kazigwa wasn’t far behind, transferring to Illinois State for its computer networking and telecommunications program. 

Their mother-daughter bond only grew when they became Illinois State classmates. Milanga and Kazigwa made time for each other during the week, meeting for meals and running errands together. 

“She was (on campus) early in the morning, and I would be there in the afternoon,” said Milanga. “Sometimes we would go for lunch in Watterson and have a good time. We went to the bookstore to order textbooks, and we went to a job fair together.”

They also used their experiences to help each other. Milanga guided her daughter through class scheduling. Kazigwa offered technology expertise in return. 

“We do homework together,” said Milanga. “She’s good with the computer, so when I’m stuck and frustrated, she helps me troubleshoot.”

Milanga and Kazigwa said their unique experience brought them closer together.  

“We became closer friends. We shop together, do our nails together, watch shows together,” said Milanga. “She’s my BFF.”

Kazigwa walked across the same commencement stage as her mother last December.

This time, Milanga did the cheering.