96-year-old WWII veteran gets degree 68 years later after he took his last class

Ninety-six-year-old Bob Barger was honoured Saturday at the University of Toledo’s commencement ceremony, where he received an associate’s degree.

world Updated: May 06, 2018 12:35 IST

World War II veteran Bob Barger, assisted by Haraz Ghanbari, University of Toledo director of military and veteran affairs, left, smiles after receiving his diploma at the commencement ceremony at the university, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP)

A World War II veteran who flew planes for the Navy has received his college degree to a standing ovation 68 years after he took his last class.

Ninety-six-year-old Bob Barger was honoured Saturday at the University of Toledo’s commencement ceremony, where he received an associate’s degree.

A review of his transcripts from the late 1940s shows he completed enough classes to qualify for the degree, which wasn’t offered when he was in school.

Barger came home to Toledo after World War II and started taking college classes. But he never finished his degree because he was busy with a job and raising a family.

He says getting the degree reminds him of all the friends and family who’ve been a part of his life.