Geneva Cruz Proves It’s Never Too Late to Graduate from College
The singer proves that it’s never too late to chase a dream—especially when it’s for family
For many celebrities, the demands of a career mean putting certain dreams on hold, including finishing school. But some eventually return to the classroom, determined to complete what they started. Singer and former Smokey Mountain member Geneva Cruz is the latest to celebrate that full-circle moment.
On Friday, March 13, Geneva announced on Instagram that she had officially graduated from college—more than three decades after she first set aside her studies.
For her mom—and her younger self
On Instagram, Geneva reflected on the milestone as she prepares to celebrate another birthday in April.
“As I approach my golden age in less than a month, I realize that some of my dreams are still coming true,” the “Kailan” singer wrote. “Thirty-three years in the making, but I finally did it! Look, ma, I’m now a college graduate!”
The tribute was especially meaningful for Geneva, who dedicated the achievement to her late mother, Marilyn Cruz, who passed away in 2021.
But the graduation was also for someone else: her younger self.
“This is for nineteen-year-old Gen, who had to grow up fast and work hard after choosing to become a young mom,” she shared. “Thank you for being brave and for finally learning to love yourself.”
Friends and family quickly filled the comments with congratulations. Her cousin, actress Sunshine Cruz, wrote, “Yahoo!! Congratulations Gen.”
Her boyfriend, Dean Roxas, also shared a sweet message: “They grow up so fast. Love you babe, so proud of you!”
Geneva, staying true to her playful humor, replied with a joke: “I’m a college grad na, I can finally retire and work from home na lang, daddy cool! Haha!”
A lesson in perseverance for her children
Geneva first revealed in 2024 that she had enrolled in college again, saying the decision was deeply tied to the kind of example she wanted to set for her daughter, London.
“I strongly believe in setting a positive example for my children, which drives me to dedicate time to pursuing my educational goals,” she wrote in August 2024.
For the singer, going back to school became a reminder that growth doesn’t come with an expiration date.
“I live to grow because there’s no age or judgment in personal growth as long as you keep pushing forward to finish what you start,” she shared. “Go after your goals—there’s no such thing as being too late.”
Joining others who finished later in life
Geneva now joins a growing list of personalities who returned to school later in life to earn their degrees. Actor Epy Quizon, son of comedy legend Dolphy, also recently completed his studies at De La Salle University.
For parents in particular, stories like Geneva’s offer a powerful reminder: sometimes the best lessons we teach our kids aren’t spoken—they’re lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Geneva Cruz said she decided to go back to school in 2024 to fulfill a long-time personal goal and to set a positive example for her daughter.
Geneva dedicated the milestone to her late mother, Marilyn Cruz, who passed away in 2021, and to her younger self who made sacrifices early in life.
More celebrities who graduated
Angela Lagunzad-Castro and Joyce Pring Earn Their Diplomas After Years of Perseverance
The Class Of 2024: Celebrity Parents Who Graduated And Went Back To School
Celebrity Moms Who Returned to School and Got a Degree
