When Dustyn, Dakota and Dyllan Bakker each set out on their individual higher education journeys, they never dreamed that ultimately, their paths would converge – on the same Commencement stage, in the same year, and with the same degree.

The brothers from Cedar Lake will not only be walking one after the other to collect their Indiana University Northwest bachelor’s degrees this May, but they all chose business as their career path.

Nine years ago when Dustyn, 27, first enrolled at IU Northwest, he never would have imagined all the twists and turns his life – and academic journey – would take.

As Dustyn would attest, he’s done it all – from switching majors, to attending IU Northwest part-time and full-time, and even taking several hiatuses so that his wife could attend college.

Dakota, 25, followed his older brother’s lead, enrolling at IU Northwest seven years ago, at first setting out to study computer information systems.

However, during his first year of study, Dakota contracted Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, that greatly affected his overall health, energy level, and ability to focus. He, like big brother Dustyn, attended IU Northwest, as much or as little, as life allowed.

Despite the health challenges Dakota has faced, the disease did not steal his passion. In fact, it ignited a desire that will likely lead him into his next chapter, the goal of attending a chiropractic school to study holistic medical approaches.

Dyllan, 22, has experienced the most “traditional” academic route. He enrolled at IU Northwest directly after high school, and completed his degree in four years.

He excelled academically, graduating with a nearly perfect grade point average, and was recently inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an academic honors society for successful business students.

The brothers are proud of what they have achieved individually, but the pride of what they have achieved collectively can’t be understated. The first-generation college graduates agree that the experience has brought them closer together.

“Growing up together, we never thought that we would be graduating at the same time, much less earning the same degree,” Dyllan said. “It’s been a great experience and how we’ve gotten to grow together. We all have our different interests but we are all getting a business degree. It is really cool how things come together like that.”

About the Class of 2018: Indiana University Northwest will confer 777 degrees at the 52nd Annual Commencement ceremonies on May 10, 2018. The Class of 2018 will collectively receive 49 associate’s degrees, 638 bachelor’s degrees and 90 master’s degrees. The oldest student graduating is 62 years old and the youngest is 19. More than 70 percent of the graduating class is female.