It’s never too late to do the things you want. Whether that be having a family, learning an new skill, or even graduating from college. An elderly resident of Galloway Township, New Jersey, challenged himself by walking across the stage at Stockton University to receive his degree. However, the difference between him and all those graduating with him is that he is a 103-year-old decorated World War II veteran. His dedication to serving the country was finally met with the recognition he deserves.
The above video comes directly from New Jersey’s Stockton University’s social media pages. Andrew ‘Tim’ Kiniry can be seen wearing a black cap and gown. As he walks across the stage with his red walker, assisted by a staff member, he is honored and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree at the age of 103.
You can very clearly see the joy in Kiniry’s eyes as he accepts the prestigious degree, turning to face the audience of graduates who all celebrated the moment with him. Some commenters were quick to joke about graduating at such an old age, with one person saying, “Me so I don’t have to pay the loans off.” There were plenty of other comments that were far more positive, with the most liked saying, “His parents would be so proud of their baby.“
Kiniry has very close ties with the school, being among the few individuals brought to show pieces of World War II history at the institution’s Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center. With mathematics professor Judith Vogel, the two became close friends and often taught classes together as well as met with one another for breakfast.
Tim Kiniry is now more than just a university speaker and an Honorary Doctorate holder. Despite his age, Kiniry has proven that with the right amount of motivation and dedication, anything is possible at any age.
