Fred Taylor, a 101-year-old man, finally attended his graduation at Cornell College in the United States, nearly 80 years after missing the original ceremony due to his deployment in World War II.
Fred Taylor, a 101-year-old man, finally attended his graduation at Cornell College in the United States, nearly 80 years after missing the original ceremony due to his deployment in World War II.
Fred, from California, was sent to join the Army Air Corps Reserve during WWII, causing him to miss his 1943 graduation at Cornell College in Iowa. He would have received his Bachelor’s degree in Music had it not been for his military service.
Thanks to his daughter, Linda Taylor, Fred finally had the chance to walk alongside other graduates. Linda, a professor who has attended many graduation ceremonies, felt it was never right that her father missed celebrating the culmination of his undergraduate degree.
Linda surprised her father with airplane tickets and arrangements to participate in the 2024 graduation ceremony.
“You know that feeling when you give somebody you love something really special that delights them and delights you even more? It’s just going to be a super happy time and for somebody who is closing in on 102, what are we waiting for?” she said.
Fred expressed his excitement and surprise, stating, “Linda mentioned this idea a long time ago, but it was a big surprise to me that she had gone ahead and made the arrangements to do it. So, of course, I’m surprised and excited about it.”
Fred’s time at Cornell College shaped significant parts of his life. After his military service, he earned a master’s degree in music education at Drake University and served as a music teacher for many years before retiring. Reflecting on the belated ceremony, he said, “The college was extremely important to me. It really ties the ribbon on it, makes me feel like now it’s complete.”
READ ALSO: 12-Year-Old Girl Gains Admission to University of Toronto, Graduates with Bachelor’s Degree at 16
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION
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