Grandma graduates

Joyce DeFauw recently accepted her diploma from Northern Illinois University – 71 years after she initially enrolled.

The 90-year-old began her studies in 1951, with a plan to graduate with a degree in home economics. She dropped out of school, however, when she fell in love and decided to start a family. 

• Now that her kids (and grandkids, and great-grandkids) are grown, Joyce decided to go back to school and finish what she started. 

📚🎓 Chase those dreams... “At times I wanted to quit, but I didn’t.” Joyce, who had to learn how to use a computer for the first time for her remote classes, said. "It’s nice to finish something you started... I know it can be difficult, but everything in life has its ups and downs.”