Lauren Sánchez Celebrates Son Evan Whitesell's College Acceptance: 'Heart Is Bursting'

Evan, 18, will be attending the University of Miami, the philanthropist shared on Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 15

Dec 17, 2024 - 12:20
 5500
Lauren Sánchez Celebrates Son Evan Whitesell's College Acceptance: 'Heart Is Bursting'

Evan, 18, will be attending the University of Miami, the philanthropist shared on Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 15

Lauren Sanchez/Instagram Evan Whitesell with mom Lauren Sánchez

Lauren Sanchez/Instagram Evan Whitesell with mom Lauren Sánchez

Lauren Sánchez is one proud mom!

The philanthropist and award-winning journalist shared on Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 15 that her son Evan Whitesell is heading to college.

“My heart is bursting,” Sánchez, 54, wrote in a since-expired Instagram Stories post, alongside a University of Miami logo and the word “business.” She added, “Beyond proud of you.”

According to the Stories post, Evan, 18, — whom Sánchez shares with ex-husband Patrick Whitesell along with daughter Ella, 16 – will likely study at Miami’s Herbert Business School. Her post did not specify when he will begin taking courses, however.

Related: Lauren Sánchez Celebrates Son Evan's First Solo Helicopter Flight: 'So Proud'

Sánchez is also mom to Nikko Gonzalez, 23, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend and NFL Hall of Fame member Tony Gonzalez.

In August, Evan took to the skies in a helicopter for the first time by himself, following in the footsteps of his mom, an aviation enthusiast and chopper pilot.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

“There’s a special kind of trust that comes when you watch your kid take off on their own for the first time,” Sánchez wrote on Instagram at the time. “It’s about letting go, but also knowing they’re more than ready. It’s terrifying, exhilarating and so deeply rewarding all at once.”

She added, “Today wasn’t just about a solo flight, it was the beginning of something bigger, @evan_whitesell took a step forward into his own story. So proud you