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Friday, June 12, 2009
Oldest college graduate-world record set by
Chao Mu-he
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Chao Mu-he, 96, better known to his
classmates at Nanhua
University in southern Taiwan as "Grandpa Chao," will
receive this weekend his master's degree in philosophy-setting
the new world record for the Oldest
college graduate. 
Photo: Taiwanese Chao Mu-he, 96, poses
in his cap and gown as he prepares to receive his Masters
Degree in philosophy this weekend in Nanhua, southern Taiwan.
/ AP photo (enlarge
photo)
Chao Mu-he said he began graduate
school after being told he was too old to continue as a volunteer
at a local hospital. "I was bored after I left the hospital,"
Chao said Thursday. "I don't play mahjong or have other hobbies.
I felt I had to do something with my life."
The previous
world record for the Oldest
college graduate was set by 95-year-old Nola
Ochs from Kansas, USA.
Born on July 4, 1912, Chao, who has mastered
the “bird-worm” style of calligraphy, used this as the basis
for his research for his degree from Nanhua
University’s Graduate Institute of Philosophy in Chiayi
County.
Asked why he decided to pursue a graduate degree
so late in life, Chao said he wanted to encourage one of his
friend’s sons, who was reluctant to go back to school. Chao
said he invited the young man to study with him in graduate
school.
As Chao was living in Kaohsiung, he had to commute
to Chiayi by bus to attend classes, but he was proud to say
that in his two years of study, he had never missed a class.
Physically, Chao appears to be in good shape
and moves around unassisted. Asked about the secret to his
health, he said there was none, but added that he never quarrels
with anyone.
Chen Teh-ho, Chao’s thesis adviser, described
his student as diligent with a sense of humor. Chen said he
was impressed by Chao’s desire to acquire knowledge. Chao
is the best example of the saying a person is “never too old
to learn,” Chen said.
Related world records:
Longest
career as a weather forecaster-Dave Devall sets world record
Youngest
college professor-world record set by Alia Sabur
Oldest
Everest climber-world record set by Min Bahadur Sherchan
Oldest
competing bodybuilder-world record set by Ray Moon
Oldest
still performing showgirl-Dorothy Dale Kloss sets world record
Oldest
woman paraglider-world record set by Peggy McAlpine
Friday,
June 12, 2009
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