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82-Year-Old Veteran Earns College Degree
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- An 82-year-old U.S. Army veteran graduated from Valencia College.
- He pursued an associate's degree after enrolling in a Spanish class.
- He is now working towards a bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida.
An 82-year-old U.S. Army veteran, Paul Grizelle-Reid, has achieved a significant academic milestone, becoming Valencia College's oldest graduate this year. His educational path began unexpectedly after he moved to Poinciana and enrolled in a Spanish class at Valencia College. This initial step ignited a passion for learning, prompting him to pursue a full associate's degree.
During his studies at Valencia's Poinciana Campus, Grizelle-Reid actively participated in in-person classes, fostering meaningful connections with fellow students and faculty. The sense of community was so strong that he even joined his classmates on a trip to Ireland, underscoring the camaraderie he experienced.
Having completed his associate in arts coursework, Grizelle-Reid is now advancing his education. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in English literature at the University of Central Florida and continues to share his academic journey with a classmate and friend.
