80-year-old Linwood Riddick has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from South Carolina State(SC State) University, fulfilling a promise he made to himself decades ago.

Originally from Virginia, Riddick served in the military during the Vietnam War, at a time when many of his peers were heading to college. Instead of following that path early on, he chose to put it on hold for military service.

After his military service, Riddick ran a souvenir business for over 30 years and retired at the age of 72. Despite being retired, he still aspired to earn a college degree.

One day, while walking through the South Carolina State University campus, he overheard a conversation that changed the course of his life. “I heard some men talk about the Orangeburg Massacre,” he told Sam Watson, SC State’s director of university relations

The Orangeburg Massacre is a 1968 event when police shot into a crowd of SC State students who were protesting segregation, injuring more than two dozen of them and 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ing three. All nine officers involved were acquitted, according to The Civil Rights Trail website.

After learning about that history that he decided, “I’m going to have to come here, put my name on this institutional wall because of the sacrifice of these three men.”

And he kept his word. For several years, Riddick drove 45 minutes daily from his home in Summerville, South Carolina, to attend classes. He also became an active member of the university’s concert choir, performing regularly.

During his graduation, Riddick was honored even before crossing the stage. SC State President Alexander Conyers briefly paused the ceremony to recognize him in the back row of the school’s concert choir, with which he’s performed for years. “Mr. Riddick, you inspire us all,” Conyers said.

Riddick received a standing ovation as he walked across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in Music Industry, a moment he had worked toward with unwavering dedication.

Reflecting on his journey, Riddick said going to college helped keep his mind active and his spirit engaged. “Your mind, your body, your soul and spirit — they must be utilized,” he said.

Now, he hopes his story serves as motivation for others, especially younger students, proving that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.