Giuseppe Paterno, 98, became Italy’s oldest graduate – again. Born in 1923, Paterno, grew up in a low-income household in Sicily. He was unable to attend college as a young man despite his passion for reading and learning. Paterno now holds a master’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of Palermo. He graduated 2 years ago with a bachelor’s degree in the same subject.
The news was shared by his family in a Facebook post that he once again received top marks for his recent degree. Paterno has no intention of taking a break and desires to use his reliable typewriter to write a novel. He was only able to get a minimal education because he was born into a poor family. Paterno joined the navy to serve in World War II before starting his career in the railways at the age of 20.
98-year-old World War Veteran completes master’s degree
After Giuseppe Paterno graduated in 2020, he said, “I am a normal person, like many others. In terms of age, I have surpassed all the others but I didn’t do it for this. I said, ‘That’s it, now or never,’ and so in 2017, I decided to enroll. I understood that it was a little late to get a three-year degree but I said to myself, ‘Let’s see if I can do it.'”
He completed high school at the age of 31. However, he could not return to the classroom again until 2017. He now holds not just a bachelor’s but a master’s degree as well.
The WWII veteran, against all odds, got enrolled in a program for undergraduates in the year 2017. Paterno used books rather than the internet to research topics.
The story of the 98-year-old Giuseppe Paterno who earned his master’s degree has motivated everyone. The person who triumphed despite hardships, World War II and COVID-19,
