American man holds graduation ceremony at age 101

Friday, May 5, 2023 11:51 (GMT+7)
11:51 5/5/2023

In 1939, Mr. Fredric Taylor began studying at Cornell University (USA) and completed his program but did not attend the graduation ceremony because he had to join the army.

Mr. Taylor and his late wife. Photo: Washington Post.

In the fall of 1939, Mr. Taylor enthusiastically enrolled in Cornell University to study Music Education and completed the program. He was scheduled to graduate in May 1943.

However, with World War II raging, Taylor enlisted in 1942. He was sent to Missouri for training in March 1943 and was unable to attend his graduation ceremony, where his father accepted his diploma in his stead.

To make up for it, on May 14, Cornell University will honor Mr. Taylor (now 101 years old) at the graduation ceremony of the class of 2023 - 80 years after his graduation.

After the war ended in 1945, in 1948, Mr. Taylor returned home and joined the Iowa Air Force.

Mr. Taylor missed his graduation ceremony to serve in the military. Photo: Washington Post .

He earned a master's degree in music education from Drake University in the mid-1950s. This time, he missed graduation again because he was busy making a living.

Taylor later became a high school music coach, leading the school bands in their performances. Each time he performed at a graduation ceremony, Taylor was reminded of the Cornell graduation he had missed.

In 1989, his daughter, Linda, began teaching anthropology at the University of Miami. Seeing graduates smiling at their families at graduation, Linda hoped her father could have that experience one day.

A few months ago, she shared her father's story and expressed her wish to hold a graduation ceremony for him with Cornell University officials.

“Every student deserves a moment to celebrate their college graduation with their family, even if it has been 80 years since they graduated,” Cornell University President Jonathan Brand said in a statement.

Mr. Brand said Mr. Taylor is a strong example for the Class of 2023 to follow.

“Fred is an example of how to give your life fully and meaningfully in service to others. This is something we will never forget,” he added.

In late March, Linda booked her tickets and hotel and informed her father of her plans. Taylor said he was surprised and embarrassed to learn he would be walking across the Cornell University stage for his graduation.

As planned, after handing out diplomas to students, Mr. Brand will invite Mr. Taylor to the stage. While the university president tells Mr. Taylor’s story, he will put on his ceremonial gown, walk up to the podium and receive his diploma.

Mr. Taylor will then join the graduates in rotating their cap tassels from right to left to mark the end of their university lives.

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Linh Thuy

graduated after 80 years Cornell University World War II USA