80-Year-Old Grandmother Graduates College 60 Years After Starting Her Degree

Mary Thompson, 80, received a standing ovation as she walked across the stage at her college graduation — 60 years after she first enrolled. Life had taken her in different directions: marriage, raising four children, a career in nursing, and eventually caring for aging parents.

"I always told my grandchildren that you're never too old to learn," Mary said. "Now I've proven it." She completed her final credits through a combination of evening classes and online learning.

“Life had taken her in different directions: marriage, raising four children, a career in nursing, and eventually caring for aging parents.”

Her fellow graduates, many young enough to be her great-grandchildren, cheered as she received her diploma. "Mary is an inspiration to all of us," said the university president. "She shows that dreams don't have expiration dates."