At 87, He Is A College Grad

Most students receive their college degrees while they are in their 20s with some returning students getting their degrees while balancing work and family responsibilities. A growing trend in higher education is where a retiree decides to fulfill a long-held dream — by returning to school for that elusive undergraduate degree.

Last Sunday, an 87 year-old college senior was awarded his bachelor’s degree at a commencement ceremony held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Clarence Garrett, who had first attended the school more than 50 years earlier but had to stop in order to support his family, graduated with his wife, children and grandchildren present.

Garrett returned to school in Spring 2006 with his mind set on getting a degree that his children had already received.

Tags: Clarence Garrett, college grad, University of Wisconsin