As if to emphasize that it is never too late. Or that everything can, if you want. That reflects the history of Giuseppe Paternò, a 97-year-old Italian who just got a degree in Philosophy and History in University of Palermo, which makes him the oldest graduate in the world in higher studies.
Such a remarkable story was highlighted by the newspaper The Republic, who adds that the “nonno” now goes for more, since he wants to do a master’s degree.
Born into a very poor Sicilian family, Giuseppe Paternò started working at age seven, lived the Second World War in Sicily and at the age of 31 he obtained the diploma of surveyor in a night school.
He then spent 42 years working for the State Railroad Company, but always dreamed of being able to study at the university.
Three years ago he enrolled in the University of Palermo and passed all the exams with excellent marks.
And ignoring the quarantine imposed on Italy to combat coronavirus pandemic, Giuseppe Paternò He gave the latest evidence by videoconference and presented his final work, dedicated to a philosophical argument.
“I never tire and I tell young people that they have to do like me. Always keep studying, because the only thing I regret is not having done it while I was young ”, said Giuseppe Paternò, who is already preparing to enroll in a master’s program.
GrCongratulations from the whole academic community to Giuseppe Paternò, a recent graduate in “Philosophical and Historical Studies”.
Giuseppe, born in 1923, was proclaimed doctor at almost 97 years by the Rector of #UniPa, prof. Fabrizio Micari
ℹ️ https://t.co/dcioDP7Wbl pic.twitter.com/3jF4oMfHMx
– UniPa (@unipa_it) July 29, 2020
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