Sam Watson / South Carolina State University
Linwood Riddick at the delivery ceremony of his diploma
When most young people in their generation chose to pursue their studies, it was for Vietname to serve in the Armed Forces. Now, while the others smoothly enjoy their renovations, he decided to go after his university degree.
After military service, the Vietname War Veteran Linwood Riddick He opened his own sales business, which he maintained for three decades, and reformed at age 72.
A few years ago, left the reform and It was looking for your dream: Get a university diploma.
Last Friday, two days before his 80th anniversary, Riddick received his bachelor’s degree in music industry at South Carolina State University (SC State) in Orangeburg.
Riddick’s course until he graduated was unconventional, But marked by its strong conviction, says the institution in a press.
“I joined the army. I fulfilled my time and left,” says Riddick. “I received some money as a veteran and followed my life: I opened my own business – I sold memories and things of the genre – for about 30 years. ”
The veteran, who for years sang in the choir of SC State, was one day going through campus From the university when he heard a conversation that inspired him to enroll. “I heard some people commenting on“.
Orangeburg’s massacre took place in 1968, when police fired at a crowd of students who protested against racial segregationcausing more than two dozen wounded and three dead. All nine agents involved were acquitted, recalls.
After knowing this story, Linwood Riddick made a decision: “I will have to come here, put my name on the wall of this universityand in honor of Sacrifice of those three men“.
At SC State, Riddick became a permanent choir member, having sung in ceremonies, concerts and special events. But your role in campus went beyond the stage, as it became a inspiring presence for your colleagues younger.
At the graduation ceremony on Friday, before taking the stage, Riddick was honored by the president of SC State, Alexander Conyerswhich briefly interrupted the ceremony when he saw him in the last row of the school choir, in which he has acted in recent years.
“Mr. Riddick, you inspire us everyone“Conyers said, also recognizing the effort that the octogenarian, who had to do every day an hour from home from home to Orangeburg to attend classes.
Later, the crowd gave him a warm ovation while Riddick received his diploma – a degree in Music industry.
Riddick confesses that The university helped him stay active mentally: mind, body, soul and spirit – “they must be used.”
Now he says he expects to be an inspiration to others and a mentor for younger students. “If I got it, you can,” said the new graduate. “It is not impossible if you try“.
