Linwood Riddick In a time when many people chose to go to college, they went to Vietnam to serve in the army. Instead, he pursues a college diploma when many are busy retirement.

Riddick graduated from South Carolina State University in South Carolina two days before his 80th birthday on Friday, the school said in a press release. He retired to receive a college education.

After serving in the military, Vietnam veterans He opened his own business and sold souvenirs for thirty years and retired at the age of 72. But soon after, he Hear a Conversation via SC Statement Inspired him to join the university.

“I heard some men talking about the Orangeburg Holocaust,” he told SC State University’s Director of Relations Sam Watson, who Write an article about Ridick's achievements. The Orangeburg Massacre is 1968 Events When police shot a group of SC State students protesting segregation, they injured more than twenty times and killed three people. All nine officers involved are InnocenceAccording to the Civil Rights Trail website.

Riddick said that only after learning about this history did he decide: “I have to come here and put my name on this institutional wall because of the sacrifice of these three.”

On Friday startRiddick was respected even before he crossed the stage. SC President Alexander Conyers briefly pauses the ceremony Meet him He performed with him for many years in the back row of the school concert choir.

"Mr. Ridick, you inspired us all," Conils also noted the 79-year-old One hour drive a day from his home in Somerville, South Carolina Go to Orangeburg for class.

Later, when the crowd received the diploma, the crowd applauded. He received his bachelor's degree in the music industry.

Ridick said the university helped him stay sharp. "Your mind, your body, your soul and spirit must be exploited," he told Watson. Now, he says, he wants to be inspiration for others and become a mentor for young students.

"If I can do it, you can do it," he said. "It's not impossible if you try."