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Linwood Riddick, who turns 80 on Monday, accepts his bachelor’s degree at South Carolina State University on Friday May 9th.
Sam Watson/South Carolina State University
Episode 3043 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Linwood Riddick who recently graduated from college as he celebrated his 80th birthday. The featured story appeared on NPR radio and was titled: He graduated from college at age 79. A campus tragedy inspired him to enroll. It was submitted by Jennifer Ludden.
Linwood Riddick’s journey to a college diploma at age 79 is a powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and transformation. As reported by NPR News, Riddick defied age stereotypes and societal expectations, walking across the graduation stage with pride after earning his degree from South Carolina State University. His decision to pursue higher education later in life wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was driven by a deeply emotional catalyst.
In 1968, a tragic campus shooting at South Carolina State University deeply affected Riddick. The senseless act of violence, which took the life of a student, compelled him to turn grief into action.
Riddick’s NPR story highlights not only the impact of lifelong learning but also the significance of community, resilience, and civic responsibility. His graduation at 79 years old serves as a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams or contribute meaningfully to society. By transforming tragedy into motivation, Linnwood Riddick became a beacon of hope and a symbol of intergenerational wisdom.
NPR’s coverage of Riddick’s story continues to inspire readers across South Carolina and beyond, proving that education, healing, and purpose have no age limit. His path from grief to graduation reminds us that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to create a legacy of impact, compassion, and courage.
Listen to Episode 3043 and discover more about Linwood Riddick and his college degree.
