Deborah Barnett, left, a doctoral student in workforce education, her son Travis Barnett, middle, a senior studying geography and environmental resources, and Bryan Waldrop, a senior studying industrial design, have breakfast together Tuesday at Harbaugh’s Café. Deborah Barnett is the director of Non-traditional Student Services, and has recently noticed a growing trend of families attending SIU at the same time. “I recognized this trend at new student orientations starting in the spring of 2014,” Barnett said. “I met family after family that were coming to school together, whether that be parent and child, spouses, and even a grandparent and a grandchild, all seeking a degree together.”

Jamie Eader • Daily Egyptian