79-Year-Old Vietnam Veteran Earns Degree, Inspires Everyone
Linwood Riddick doesn’t fit the typical college graduate profile. At nearly 80 years old, he walked across the stage at South Carolina State University, diploma in hand, as the audience erupted in applause.
For him, this wasn’t about starting a career or chasing a paycheck. It was about keeping his mind and body updated. That’s how he described it. And his story proves that learning and growth never have an expiration date.
A Life of Service and Resilience
Born in New York and later raised in Virginia, Riddick’s early college experience at Norfolk State University was interrupted when he was drafted into the Navy. His service took him to Vietnam, where he spent years committed to duty and discipline. After his military career, he shifted into business, building a life that many would consider complete.
But Riddick wasn’t done. Retirement wasn’t an excuse to slow down—it was a reason to pursue what he’d set aside decades ago.
Music, Memory, and Motivation
Instagram | scstate1896 | Riddick returned to school for a music industry degree and joined the Concert Choir at South Carolina State.
Riddick chose to return to school with a focus on the music industry. It wasn’t a random pick. Music had always played a role in his life, and at South Carolina State, he joined the Concert Choir, adding his voice to university events and concerts. He wasn’t just attending classes; he was fully immersed in student life.
“I wanted to keep both my body and my mind active. This gave me something to focus on every day,” Riddick shared during a campus interview.
His presence on campus didn’t go unnoticed. University President Alexander Conyers expressed admiration for Riddick’s dedication, saying, “Mr. Riddick brought energy and commitment to everything he touched—from the classroom to the choir. He’s a reminder to all of us that purpose doesn’t retire.”
Graduating With the Class of 2025
When graduation day arrived, Riddick stood proudly in his cap and gown among students nearly six decades younger. The Class of 2025 gave him a standing ovation as he received his bachelor’s degree in music industry studies.
The moment was more than symbolic. It highlighted a quiet but powerful truth—staying mentally and physically engaged is just as important at 79 as it is at 29.
And for Riddick, this was personal. As someone who had experienced the intense structure of military life and the pressure of business, college represented freedom. It was about learning on his own terms and feeding a lifelong passion.
Highlights of His Journey
Military background – Served in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy.
Early education – Briefly attended Norfolk State University before military service.
Post-service career – Built a career in business before returning to academics.
Academic life – Joined South Carolina State University’s Concert Choir and remained highly active in campus life.
Degree earned – Bachelor’s in Music Industry at age 79.
Upcoming milestone – Riddick turns 80 in July.
Inspiration for All Generations
Instagram |cbseveningnews | Riddick’s story is about the quiet strength of daily perseverance.
Riddick’s journey is a testament to perseverance—not the kind that demands attention, but the quiet, everyday kind. His return to college wasn’t about rewriting his past but about adding something new to his life story. It challenges assumptions about age, retirement, and what it means to keep growing.
His story may not fit the mold, but it fits the moment. In a world where lifelong learning is more accessible than ever, Riddick shows it’s also deeply meaningful. And while many graduates were thinking about the next step in their careers, Riddick was living proof that sometimes, the best next step is taken for the sheer joy of the experience.
A Reminder Worth Remembering
Linwood Riddick’s graduation isn’t just a milestone for him—it’s a message to anyone who thinks it’s too late to learn something new. His path, shaped by military service in Vietnam, a successful business career, and now a degree in music, defies convention and encourages curiosity at any age.
He didn’t earn his degree to start over. He did it to stay present—to keep learning, keep moving, and keep living with intention. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.