Fourth Generation USM Graduate Relishes Golden Legacy

Fri, 05/12/2023 - 10:39am | By: David Tisdale

Jennifer Lane Domingos’ love for The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is in her DNA.

Domingos, who was awarded her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies during commencement exercises May 12 at Reed Green Coliseum on the USM Hattiesburg campus, is now a fourth-generation graduate of the institution.

Although it’s been 30 years since she finished high school in Pearl City, Hawaii, the self-described military brat who has moved multiple times around the world with her family said she was determined to return to the state to study at USM, upholding a black-and-gold family tradition dating back nearly a century. Her brother, Robert Lane, also graduated from USM in 2001.

“I would not say that I have a hometown, but Mississippi was always the constant in my life of travel,” Domingos said. “Moving ‘back home’ after living around the world for most of my life is such a gift, so to march and graduate from USM today is an incredible honor.

“I wanted to attend classes on the Hattiesburg campus for the experience of walking under the giant oak trees, sitting on the lawns, visiting the small chapel, smelling the roses in the gardens, and appreciating the beauty of the architecture. It is so beautiful here, and rich in history.”

The four consecutive generations of USM graduates in Domingos’ lineage come from her dad’s side of the family, which is rooted in the Pine Belt’s Lone Star community, beginning with her great-grandfather, Troy Lane. He graduated from high school in 1916 and was chosen by the U.S. Army as an officer candidate to serve in World War I. After the war ended, he moved closer to home and began attending USM, then known as Mississippi Normal School. While there he met Domingos’ great grandmother, fellow student Velma McRaney.

“They were both teachers,” Domingos said. “My great-grandfather returned to school in the summers to finish a degree program in education and graduated in 1939. He was a teacher, high school principal, and Covington County Schools Superintendent for one term, and retired from Mendenhall High School.”  

The second to graduate from USM was her grandfather, Willie George Lane, who finished in 1950 after serving in WWII. He joined the Marine Corp right out of high school. After the war he spent two years in China (1945-47) before coming home following his service in the U.S. Marines to enroll at USM. After a long career with Western Geophysical in Houston, Texas, he retired to Lone Star.  

Domingos’ dad, Randy Lane, became third in line of this USM alumni story. He met Domingos’ mom, Vicki Impello, at Jones College in Ellisville; they married in 1974 while both students at USM. Domingos was born in 1975 at Hattiesburg’s Forrest General Hospital and spent her first year of life with her parents in the married student housing complex on the USM Hattiesburg campus (Pinehaven). Her dad finished his bachelor's degree and graduated in 1976, then joined the Marine Corp in 1976; he retired in 1998 and went on to earn a master’s degree from USM in 2010.  

Domingos married in 1995 and has four children; her husband served in the U.S. Army for 15 years. “We have traveled and lived all over the world and were ready to come 'home' to Collins,” she explained. They acquired the Lane family home nearly two years ago and have been working on refurbishing it since September of 2022, and will move in this month.

“There were many obstacles to finishing college for me, but the biggest were living far from Mississippi while serving in the military, raising four children, finances, and finding the time.” The couple has worked as pastors, mentors, and teachers in ministry for more than eight years.

Domingos’ journey at USM culminates in her interdisciplinary studies degree that is focused on residential reconstruction, with emphasis in construction management, along with additional study in interior design, communication, business, and real estate, among other areas. Her post-graduation plans include advanced study in historic preservation, and continuing to work on older homes and in community preservation in ways that serve her home community of Lone Star and the Collins area. She also hopes one day to teach at USM. 

“Serving as Jennifer’s mentor over the last year has been a complete pleasure,” said Laura Malone, assistant director in the USM School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development. “Since the first day we met, it’s been clear that she is on a mission and will not let up.” 

As she walks across the stage today to receive her diploma, Domingos doesn’t take lightly that she’s retracing the steps of her forebears.

“I feel a strong connection to so many past generations, and hope to honor them and continue the legacy for generations to come,” she said. “But whether you are a first generation or a fourth-generation college graduate, you are an important part of the USM story. There must be a first for others to follow.”