ASU celebrates 84-year-old’s graduation with bachelor’s degree

TEMPE, Ariz — After nearly six decades, 78-year-old Alfredo Gutierrez finally received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University, a goal that had been nagging at him for years.

In 1968, Gutierrez was just a few credits away from graduating when he was kicked out for leading student protests on campus. Despite this setback, Gutierrez went on to have a successful career, serving as an Arizona State Senator and President of Maricopa College Governing Board. He even received an honorary doctoral degree from ASU in 1999.

But the absence of his bachelor’s degree remained an unfulfilled obligation for Gutierrez. In 2023, he finally returned to ASU to complete his degree, finding that while much of the course work was the same, the technology had changed significantly.

With diploma in hand, Gutierrez expressed his excitement for the journey that brought him to this moment. He encourages people of all ages to pursue higher education, emphasizing that it’s never too late to fulfill one’s dreams.

“I could get a master’s when I’m 81 and another doctorate when I’m 84,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez’s story serves as a reminder that determination and perseverance can lead to success, no matter how long it takes. As he embraces this new chapter in his life, Gutierrez’s message is clear: it’s never too late to achieve your goals.