A set of quintuplets from New Jersey, whose parents are Italian immigrants, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from the same college together. Four years after missing their high school graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Povolo quintuplets – Michael, Victoria, Ludovico, Ashley, and Marcus – received their degrees from Montclair State University on May 13.

First-Generation College Graduates

The Povolo quintuplets are the first generation in their family to attend college. Their parents, Silvia and Paul Povolo, immigrated from Italy and have always placed a high value on education. Each sibling pursued a different major, yet they all managed to complete their degrees simultaneously, demonstrating their commitment and support for each other. The majors they pursued were diverse, reflecting their individual interests and strengths: Michael in Business Administration, Victoria in Biology, Ludovico in Computer Science, Ashley in Psychology, and Marcus in Environmental Science.

Victoria, one of the quintuplets, emphasized the collective effort required to reach this achievement. "It was a group effort, which is why I think this is also such a big deal," she told "Good Morning America." "Having them all work together and us work to this moment is something I'm really proud of."

Commencement Ceremony

The commencement ceremony was a memorable event for the Povolo family. The quintuplets were celebrated with loud applause and cheers from the crowd, who were moved by the siblings' unique accomplishment. "Everyone was really supportive," Victoria said. "And it felt really nice to be almost like, in the good eyes of the crowd."

Their parents, Silvia and Paul, along with other guests, joined the siblings on their special day. "Our mom was definitely emotional, she was crying," Victoria shared. "And our dad as well. I don't think my mom fully realizes yet the magnitude of what happened. I think it's gonna take her an extra few days to really understand it."

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite the joy of graduating together, the quintuplets faced several challenges during their college years. Initially, transportation issues made it difficult for them to commute to campus, especially during their freshman year. Coordinating their different schedules was another significant challenge, as each of them attended different classes and had various extracurricular activities.

Victoria noted, "It was tough navigating our different class schedules to spend time together. But we made it a point to have family dinners and study sessions whenever possible." The quintuplets also supported each other academically, often sharing notes and helping one another prepare for exams.

The siblings maintained a close bond, often engaging in activities together. "I think that has to do with the way that my mom raised us," Victoria said. "We have a sign up in our house that says 'love one another.' And she always reminds us, you know, 'it's a blessing that you have each other.'"

Looking Ahead

Victoria plans to apply for medical school next year, aspiring to become a doctor. She is excited to see where life takes her siblings. Michael is considering pursuing an MBA, Ludovico aims to work for a leading tech company, Ashley plans to further her studies in clinical psychology, and Marcus is looking to work in environmental conservation.

"Everyone has different plans for the future," Victoria said. "I’m just really excited to see where life leads everyone else. We’ve been together through so much, and I know we’ll always support each other no matter where we go."

University's Perspective

Jonathan Koppell, the president of Montclair State University, highlighted the significance of this achievement. "This is the school's first time having a set of quintuplets graduating at the same time," he told "GMA." "First of all, what a remarkable set of siblings…they all studied different subjects. They all pursued a distinct pathway. They're all pursuing very defined plans in terms of their career. It's a terrific achievement."

Impact on Education

As the first generation of college students in their family, the quintuplets' story underscores the importance of access to higher education. Koppell emphasized that their success was possible due to the financial assistance provided based on their achievements. "It's not a foregone conclusion that they would be getting a college degree," he said. "And they were only able to pursue a college education because of the financial assistance that we were able to provide."

Koppell continued, "If they didn't have access to college, we would miss out on all the contributions they're going to make in medicine, education, and business. It's a great illustration of why access to college is so important."

Lessons Learned

The quintuplets' journey also highlights the need for diverse educational pathways. "You can't just have one size fits all," Koppell said. "Human beings have different interests and passions."

Conclusion

The Povolo quintuplets' graduation is a testament to hard work, family support, and the transformative power of education. Their story has inspired many, showcasing the possibilities that arise when opportunities are made accessible. As they embark on their individual paths, their shared journey continues to resonate, demonstrating the importance of unity, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.