There Is No End to Learning... 90-Year-Old Oldest Master's Graduate, American Grandmother, "I Will Continue Studying"

"Had to study all night, but I did it"
"I want to keep learning"

An elderly grandmother aged 90 in the United States has attracted attention by successfully completing her master's degree and attending the graduation ceremony. She expressed her desire to "continue learning." According to local media such as WTOC, Mini Payne (90), who lives in Texas, recently earned her master's degree as the oldest graduate at the University of North Texas graduation ceremony.

Payne graduated from high school and briefly attended a two-year college in 1950. She then worked as a transcriber and document processor for 30 years before retiring at the age of 68.

Upon retirement, she enrolled in a women's college in Texas and took journalism and business classes on the University of North Texas campus. Payne said, "I have always worked in writing and loved writing, so I went back to school almost immediately after retiring," adding, "I wanted to improve myself." She continued, "Being a college student was tough. I had to study all night," but "I made it."

Mini Payne, who earned a master's degree at the age of 90. [Image source=University of North Texas website]

Afterward, Payne worked as a freelance writer for various publishers across Texas for 13 years before returning to university to pursue her master's degree. Finally, she graduated from the University of North Texas with a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Payne's advisor, Professor Billy Rossler, said, "Her perseverance to earn a degree at 90 years old is impressive," adding, "Payne was meticulous in selecting her courses. She could have graduated sooner, but she completed all her classes to make the most of her learning experience."

Despite earning her master's degree, Payne said her studies are not over yet. She expressed her ambition, saying, "I want to keep learning in any way possible."

Rona Prendergast, who obtained her master's degree in 2019. [Image source=Australian ABC Broadcasting website]

Previously, in 2019, a 90-year-old grandmother in Australia made headlines by earning a master's degree from the University of Melbourne. At that time, Rona Prendergast, aged 90, received a master's degree in gerontology and said, "There is no one too old to say 'I can't' because of age." She added, "The more you study, the more dreams you have."

Professor Rosemary Mackenzie of the University of Melbourne, who advised Rona, said, "(She) fully caught up with digital learning methods with a lifelong passion for learning," and described her as "a pioneer showing that in an aging society where one in seven people is over 65, anyone can challenge themselves to earn a university degree regardless of age."