A College Graduate at 76 Years Old!
At the age of 76, Mrs. Anne Russell, a resident in the memory care neighborhood at Kingsley Place in Shreveport, LA "graduated" from Louisiana State University.
In 1952, Miss Anne was a senior at LSU majoring in English and psychology. When she got married, she quit college just 3 credits short of graduation because, according to Miss Anne, "married women didn't go to college." Over the years, though, she thought about her college days and wished she had graduated.
After reading Miss Anne's biosketch and spending time with her, Julie Bass, the memory care director, realized just how important a college degree was to Miss Anne. Working together, the staff and Miss Anne's family decided to hold a graduation ceremony to present her with an honorary college degree. They created a letter from the chancellor, fashioned a diploma and even found an official LSU cap and gown for Miss Anne.
Fifty six years after she would have graduated, and with the traditional song, "Pomp and Circumstance" playing in the background. Miss Anne reached for her diploma, cheering "Go Tigers!" After the ceremony, Miss Anne said, "I had my cap and gown on. My entire family was there-- children, grand children and great grand children. I marched up and got my diploma! It is an accomplishment more so than you think. I was so proud of myself--that I finally did something with my education."
Friends of the Russell family heard about the ceremony and were so inspired, they decided to move one of their family members from another assisted living community to Kingsley Place in Shreveport.
Laurie Manno, executive director, is quick to give credit to others. "Julie Bass really made it happen. She paid attention and really listened to Mrs. Russell. Paulette Jordan, a resident assistant, has a loving spirit and is a hard worker. When Mrs. Russell mentioned she was scared to walk down the aisle, Paulette immediately volunteered to walk with her. And Mrs. Russell's family was so supportive. They really understand our Join Their Journey® program. They were all at the ceremony, smiling and very proud of Miss Anne."
What an inspiring example of what can happen when staff, residents and family work together. You deserve to be proud of your accomplishment, Miss Anne. Go Tigers!
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