Graduation success for Cheshire pensioner
Pensioner Gerry Watkin fulfulfilled a lifelong dream when he graduated at Keele University with a 2:1 in History
and American Studies.
The 73-year-old former Wolstanton Grammar School pupil missed out on university first time round after his parents
advised him to get a job following his A-levels. He went on to work as a bank manager for 30 years.
And Gerry's daughter Rachel Carter, a Keele graduate herself, proudly cheered as he graduated during Keele's summer graduation ceremonies.
Gerry, who lives near Nantwich, told The Sentinel: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my degree. But the past six months have been a challenge, with my dissertation, essays and exams.”
He said he had looked at Keele’s website and noticed that it said the university was for all ages. He was
offered a place on a foundation year in 2011, which led on to a three-year degree.
In the second year of his degree, Gerry spent a semester at Bowling Green State University in Ohio,
staying in a student hall.
His daughter said: “I’m super proud of him. I find it so inspiring that somebody of his age could go to university.”
Photograph by courtesy of The Sentinel.