Howard Community College held a special one on one graduation ceremony on Thursday for 79-year-old Shirley Jackson. She earned her third Associate of Arts degree in social sciences with honors from HCC.
She also earned a Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University-Purdue University. She did all of this in between recovering from open heart surgery. Health problems kept Jackson from attending commencement ceremonies in May.
College administrators wanted to make sure Jackson had the ceremony she deserved and held a special ceremony in her honor.
It was standing room only as family and friends attended the special ceremony near Jackson's home.
"I'm overwhelmed to show appreciation for what I've done. I really do appreciate that myself. I am happy that I have accomplished what I have," said Jackson.
Jackson is not finished. She is enrolled in another class at HCC in the fall.
