84-year-old retirement living senior finally receives degree


Most people try to stifle their disappointment when receiving a gift they don't like, but when James Martin Wybar opened a present from his family last Christmas, his gut reaction couldn't be helped.


"What in the dickens is this?" he said as he stared at the empty frame for a college diploma.


The retirement living senior entered the Washington University at St.


84-year-old retirement living senior finally receives degree Louis (WUSL) Olin Business School back in 1947, but wasn't able to finish his studies. When he was just two credits shy of graduating, he returned home to be with his widowed mother.


Although Wybar later received a degree from Villanova University, family members felt he deserved one from WUSL as well.


That's' when John Niemkiewicz, Wybar's son-in-law, got involved. He contacted the institution and arranged for the octogenarian to walk at this year's commencement ceremony.


"I never did this before in my life," Wybar said. He is now the oldest graduate in the prestigious school's history.


Retirement living seniors who want to earn a degree should remember it's never too late. Adult education and part-time degree classes are available in most communities.


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