Vivian Cunningham/Photo Courtesy of ABC
A Birmingham, Alabama grandmother has one more reason to be proud. Vivian Cunningham, a 78-year-old woman, received her degree last Saturday from Samford University.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts.
Cunningham, a single mother, worked for 13 years as a custodian at Alabama Power and worked her way up to managing the company’s mail operations, reported WVTM. She initially earned an associate degree in paralegal studies but wanted to go further.
As much as Cunningham has inspired strangers, she has been the biggest influence on her family. Her daughter, Tarra Barnes, attributed the pursuit of her doctorate to watching her mother’s perseverance.
“She was my inspiration and motivation for pursuing a Ph.D.,” Barnes said. “If she can complete her bachelor’s degree at 78 years old, then why wouldn’t I continue my higher educational journey? I wholeheartedly appreciate her strength and influence on my life, and I am extremely proud of her!”
Cunningham also has a son named Donald.
But the new graduate isn’t finished yet. She said she plans to pursue a graduate degree possibly.
“I might go for the master’s degree,” Cunningham said. “I don’t want to stop. I love to read. I love to sew. I love to watch movies. I don’t want to just sit because I’m retired. I want the knowledge.”
The matriarch is one of the many people who make up a surprising majority of degree seekers. The rate of people going to college after the age of 50 has increased in recent years, and with the flexibility of college programs, the trend may be on the rise.
Cunningham has proven that with tenacity and a strong support system, dreams can come true. She thanked her family, friends, and staff at Samford University for helping her on her journey.
On Wednesday, in an interview on World News Tonight, the recent graduate offered advice to others who have a dream they haven’t pursued yet.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that it can’t be done,” she said.
That attitude is why Vivian Cunningham should be celebrated.