Central Indiana couple perform national anthem together at Purdue Global graduation

Deaon and Alina Smith unite their passions together at Purdue Global

IRVING, Texas – Deaon and Alina Smith combined their passion for music and Purdue Global by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Feb. 17 during Purdue Global’s winter commencement ceremony.

“This was a great experience, and to do it together makes it even more special,” Alina said.

“It was amazing,” Deaon added. “I’m proud of my wife for everything she’s accomplished. She’s very inspiring to our family.”

Additional information

• Purdue Global celebrates the accomplishments of nearly 1,200 graduates at commencement ceremonies
• Purdue Global Winter 2024 Commencement Photo Gallery

The married couple both have a deep love and passion for music. Alina has been singing since she was 10 and is active in the central Indiana music scene, including karaoke, open mics and live performances with great local bands.

Alina and Deaon Smith of Indianapolis have a passion for music and health care. Download image

“I love singing because music makes me happy. I find it therapeutic,” Alina says.

Deaon has been singing since he was 3. His musical journey spans more than 35 years. He and his music groups have opened for famous artists including Gladys Knight, Chaka Kahn, Babyface and the Isley Brothers, to name a few. Deaon is a gifted opera singer and an aspiring actor, which has landed him tours in “The Lion King'' and “The Color Purple.” He appeared in a local production called “The Five Heartbeats'' in 2014, which is where he and Alina first met.

“I went to my usual Sunday open mic spot, and he happened to be there singing as the mainstream artist, and from that moment on, it was him and I,” Alina says.

 Deaon also does singing telegrams, especially on Valentine’s Day. He receives so many requests that often Alina will join him to do shows together. Alina frequently sings a song or two at Deaon’s shows, soaking up any opportunity to sing together.

“We are so thankful for Purdue Global — not only for its flexibility in our education, but to be able to combine that desire of learning with our passion of singing, together — for allowing us to sing the national anthem together at commencement,” Deaon said.

“Hopefully we can do it again at his graduation,” Alina added with a laugh.

The couple’s common interests extend beyond music. The Smiths also share a passion for counseling those with addiction and substance use disorders. Alina received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in the February ceremony held in Irving, Texas. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in health care administration in 2020 and a Master of Science in health information management in 2023. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in nursing program and has spent more than 20 years in health care, currently serving as director of nursing at Hickory House, a residential treatment facility. Deaon is a case manager for the Indiana Department of Child Services and is currently in his second term with Purdue Global, working toward his Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in addiction counseling. He has many years in the mental and behavioral health field and being a mentor to young children.

"Helping people overcome addictions and challenges is one of my biggest passions outside of music,” Deaon says.

The Purdue Global connection doesn’t stop with Alina and Deaon — it’s a family affair, as two of Alina’s daughters have taken courses at Purdue Global as well. Alina’s youngest daughter is in her first term at Purdue Global and is going for her Associate of Applied Science in computer science.

“We chose Purdue Global because it was affordable, and it allowed flexibility when we needed a work/life/family balance, which is extremely important,” Alina says. “Purdue Global has been our go-to for our education, and I have referred many to Purdue Global.”

The couple says that they wouldn’t be where they are today without music and the irreplaceable experience they’ve had with Purdue Global.

“The education that I have obtained at Purdue Global over time has created a lot of advantages for me when looking for a job over those who don't have the education I have,” Alina says. “It has allowed me to grow in my field and have more knowledge within health care than I previously had. It helps me think critically in the field.”

“All in all, we want to set a good example for our children and the new grandbaby who was just born three days after Christmas,” Deaon says. “Extending that to our music and the people we serve in health care can make such a positive impact in the lives of those we encounter. And Purdue Global has played a pivotal role in expanding our ability to do that." 

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/.

Writer/Media contact: Adam Bartels, adam.bartels@purdueglobal.edu

Source: Alina Smith, Deaon Smith