Tiare Hazen of Iron Mountain attended commencement at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H. Shown with the first-generation college graduate are, from left, son Canyon Hazen, husband Christopher Hazen, son Jaxtyn Hazen and son Brayden Pereny. (Southern New Hampshire University photo)

MANCHESTER, N.H. — This was a special Mother’s Day for Tiare Hazen of Iron Mountain, who traveled last week with her family to commencement ceremonies at Southern New Hampshire University.

Hazen earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration online from SNHU. During her studies, the 25-year-old Hazen gave birth to three sons and completed emergency medical technician school and a firefighting academy.

“It was a long five years, on and off,” Hazen said. “I’m just happy to be here and be that inspiration for my children.”

Hazen is employed by Project Service Inc. and works as a plant protection supervisor at the Billerud mill in Quinnesec. She also is a volunteer firefighter for Breitung Township.