Context:

Linwood Riddick, a Vietnam War veteran, graduated from South Carolina State University at the age of 79, inspired by a historical tragedy he learned about during a visit to the campus. After retiring from his business selling souvenirs, Riddick was moved to enroll in college after hearing about the Orangeburg Massacre, a 1968 event where police shot into a crowd of protesting students, killing three. His educational journey was marked by dedication, as he drove an hour each day to attend classes, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in music industry. Recognized at the commencement ceremony by the university president, Riddick was celebrated as an inspiration, having performed with the school's concert choir for years. He aspires to mentor younger students and encourage others by demonstrating that achieving such milestones is possible at any age if one is willing to try.

Dive Deeper:

• Linwood Riddick served in the Vietnam War and chose to pursue his college education later in life, graduating just before his 80th birthday from South Carolina State University with a degree in music industry.

• After retiring from a three-decade-long business career, Riddick was inspired to enroll in college upon learning about the Orangeburg Massacre, a significant event in civil rights history that occurred on the SC State campus.

• The Orangeburg Massacre involved police shooting into a crowd of protesting students in 1968, resulting in three deaths and more than two dozen injuries, with all officers involved being acquitted, a history that deeply moved Riddick.

• Riddick's commitment to his education was evident as he commuted daily from Summerville to Orangeburg for classes, and he was honored during the commencement ceremony with public recognition from the university president.

• He participated in the school's concert choir, showing his dedication to both his studies and extracurricular activities, and received a warm ovation from the audience as he accepted his diploma.

• Riddick emphasized the importance of keeping one's mind, body, soul, and spirit active, using his own educational pursuit as a testament to lifelong learning and personal growth.

• With his achievement, Riddick hopes to serve as a beacon of inspiration and a mentor for younger generations, encouraging them to pursue their goals regardless of age or perceived limitations.