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Family legacy is important to junior Abby Bergdorf and her younger brother Nate.

The siblings decided to attend 5X���� because their father and grandparents are alumni. Even their older brother earned his degree at Kent State and is now working on his master’s degree here.

But the siblings have taken the family legacy thing a giant step further by majoring in Hospitality and Event Management in the College of Education, Health and Human Services.

Abby and Nate also are following in the footsteps of a beloved uncle who recently retired from the park and recreation industry.

Siblings sharing their career aspirations is uncommon, with about 15 percent of them landing in the same industry. So, it is even more uncommon for siblings who are attending the same college to then major in the same field. Here are Nate and Abby talking about their experiences:

Abby and Nate, who commute from their home in Peninsula, have four classes together and enjoy their sibling partnership.

“We drive together to Kent and we set up our schedules together,” Nate said. “We always carpool.”
Abby completed the Disney College Program, which was a dream come true because she has always been a big fan.

“The program is supposed to be six months, but they asked me to stay for a year,” she said. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I want to go back after I graduate. It was amazing.”

Nate has experience working at a camp and now works at Blossom Music Center. He has big dreams for his future too.

“After I complete my degree in hospitality, my goal is to be a manager at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, and work my way up the chain.”

Click here for more about the Hospitality & Event Management Program at Kent State.

More on the College of Education, Health and Human Services here.