Do you have children in college? Have they arrived home for Thanksgiving break yet? If they have you may want to share the story of Nola Ochs with them. Nola Ochs is like many students who attend Fort Hays State University in Kansas. The college coed will spend some time studying during this week’s fall break, but she’ll also be taking time out on Wednesday to celebrate her 95th birthday.
That’s right… in just two days Nola Ochs will be 95-years-old. Apparently, she’s not too old to learn new tricks. In fact, according to the university, Ochs is living in a campus residence hall while she pursues her general studies degree at the school. Records show she needs just 15 more credits in order to receive her degree next spring. If she completes the task Ochs will be the Guinness Book of World Records’ oldest college graduate.
Ochs calls it “the culmination of a lifetime of learning.” She started at Fort Hays in 1930, when it was known as Kansas State Teacher’s College. But, she never graduated. Ochs says life took over and she stopped going to classes. Then in the 1970s, in her 60s, she registered as a student again at a local Community College, but again never completed enough credits to graduate. Finally, late last year Ochs signed up for some virtual classes offered at Fort Hays before deciding to attend classes full time this semester.
Last week, Ochs’ family and friends threw her a surprise birthday party during her Biblical Studies class. While some family members had to travel long distances for the occasion Ochs’ granddaughter didn’t have to travel far at all – she’s in the same class as her grandmother.
Ochs told newspaper reporters that she is “amused” by her potential status as the world’s oldest graduate, but she says she’s more excited about getting to walk at the graduation ceremony with her granddaughter.
Related Articles: