Matt Anderson (center) with his grandmother Ann Anderson (Class of 1956 and 1970) and father Andy Anderson (Class of 1982)

When UNC Asheville senior Matt Anderson, a music technology major from Asheville, graduates on Saturday, he will mark an important University milestone. Anderson will become UNC Asheville's first third-generation graduate. He will join father Andy Anderson, a physics major from the Class of 1982, and his grandmother Ann Anderson, a 1956 graduate of Asheville-Biltmore College and biology major from UNC Asheville's Class of 1970, in the ranks of the some 13,500 University alumni.

"When Matt decided to go to UNC Asheville, that was just normal. It never occurred to us that we were setting a precedent," said Ann Anderson. "All three of us realize what the University has done for us and our families and our ability to contribute in our own ways to society."
Ann admits that as a high school student she didn't think she would be able to pursue higher education.

"I entertained no idea of college because it didn't seem possible, but Asheville-Biltmore College gave me that opportunity."

She completed a two-year diploma with a concentration in chemistry. In 1969, she returned to school – now UNC Asheville -- to earn a four-year degree in biology. By that time, Ann was married and had four children, who often accompanied her to campus while she was in class or in lab.

"As a kid, I was always on campus," laughed Andy, who recalled roller skating on the Quad and hanging out in the library.

Upon completion of her degree, Ann went on to a long career in education, working at Enka High School and North Buncombe High School. She retired in 2001 but said "it didn't take." She continues to work part-time at A.C. Reynolds High School helping challenged students graduate and learn life skills.

"UNC Asheville prepared me well for a teaching career that I enjoyed thoroughly," she said. "The University offered me the opportunity to really stretch my mind and my world just expanded. It wasn't a matter of looking for a way to get a job; it was a matter of looking for a way to live a life."

Andy recognized his mother's passion for UNC Asheville and it set his course for college.

"Seeing my mother graduate from UNC Asheville brought me here. I don't remember even considering anywhere else. When I got ready to go to college, it was just UNC Asheville," Andy said.

Andy pursued a major in physics and began working at Precision Products Performance Center while he was a student. He quickly moved up the company ranks and was running the business when he was 25. He credits his success, in part, to what he learned at UNC Asheville.

"A lot of what helped me was the liberal arts background that UNC Asheville gives its students," Andy said. "It exposed me to a lot of different ideas, which gave me good insight above and beyond the science of physics to be a good manager and to work with people."

When it came time for Matt to pick a college, Andy was hoping the choice would be UNC Asheville.

"My mother came to UNC Asheville out of necessity. I came to UNC Asheville as my only choice. Matthew explored his options and chose UNC Asheville over other colleges," Andy said.

The University's music technology program sealed the deal for Matt, who is an active musician.
"UNC Asheville had the exact program I wanted," Matt said. "There are other schools that have it, but for the price and location, it was the only choice. It was a no-brainer."

Like his grandmother and father, Matt came to appreciate the close faculty interaction and liberal arts education, which are UNC Asheville hallmarks. He cites professors who stayed on campus until late in the night helping with music recording sessions and the option to take classes outside his major to expand his learning opportunities.

"Honestly, in retrospect, I wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else. This is exactly what I wanted," Matt said.