85-year-old Tom graduates from ARU degree
Published: 18 October 2019 at 13:30
Distance learning student proves it’s never too late to further your education
Anglia Ruskin University graduate Tom Jenkins has proved it is never too late to continue your education after he crossed the stage to receive his degree in Charity and Social Enterprise Management at the age of 85.
Tom, who lives in Chelmsford, is the oldest of the several thousand students to have graduated from ARU in three different cities over the past three weeks, but his commitment to charity work continues.
He said:
“I was introduced to the degree by a friend who was taking the course. She seemed so keen on it. I’m involved with various charities and it really grabbed my attention and I had this sudden desire to just do it.
“I’m involved with Christian charities and the street pastor movement. We’re anticipating expanding the street pastor work to make it an Essex-wide initiative. The organisation of it will be that much bigger and I’ll be able to use what I have learned to make it a success.”
Tom’s degree is part of ARU’s distance learning offering, and he was able to complete the course entirely online.
He was pleased to be an example to anyone who feels it might be too late to return to studying or even to do a degree for the first time.
Tom added:
“It’s definitely never too late! This course has been a great help for me, it raises your self-esteem and I would say wholeheartedly to anyone who fancies doing any more studying, just get on and do it!”