After leaving university more than 50 years ago to support his family, an 85-year-old Latino man resumed his studies and completed his studies in Florida. His teammates gave him a standing ovation for his win and he offered some important advice: “Keep trying until you succeed”.
The Cuban Roberto Fernandez managed to graduate from Florida International University (FIU). The facility began in 1972, the same year it opened its doors.
Then, due to his accounting business and responsibility towards his familyThe Latino had to give up his academic ambitions even though he was only one course away from graduating.
“I was so close. I was ashamed to think that I wouldn’t graduate because I couldn’t take the last course.”Fernández said in an article published by the university itself.
“I couldn’t finish because of my work. And with only one course ahead of us, “I had to stop and keep working.”he said in dialogue with Local 10 News.
For three years, the man managed to keep up his work in accounting and studying at the same time, until In 1975 he decided to concentrate entirely on his family.
After leaving FIU, Fernández He focused on expanding his accounting firm. His wife Marcia also studied at this university, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree.
Over the years, children and later grandchildren were added. Fernandez He never thought he would ever again feel the urge to return to the studies he had given up.
That desire resurfaced when Robert, one of his sons, began teaching as an assistant professor in FIU’s College of Business after graduating from there and earning two master’s degrees.
“After my son started teaching there, everything came back to me: all the memories and motivation to do it“, he explained.
Robert helped him get more information about it Interdisciplinary study program of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences and Educationdesigned for students with specific career paths and goals.
This program was perfect to help Fernández graduate at age 85. “When I discovered I could do it, I was very happy. At my age, this is one of the things I wanted to do in my life.” said.
“I’m 85 years old and I can walk at graduation…you have no idea, you can’t imagine how good I feel.”said the man who graduated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in a ceremony that ended with the presentation of his diploma and a standing ovation.
“Do not give up”Fernández said in dialogue with Local 10 News and added: “Keep trying until you succeed”.
According to the FIU, Fernández came to Miami in 1969. He had previously lived in Spain and New York, until he settled in the city in southeast Florida.
All his life He demonstrated resilience: he worked during the day, studied at night, supported his family, and continued an active professional career. At the age of 85, he achieved another goal and completed the studies he began years ago.
In his opinion One of the most important things in life is to keep an active mindbe it in the professional and/or academic area. To those who have left the university, I recommended her try again.
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