It took 65 years to complete, but a 96-year-old WWII veteran finally has his college degree.

Alfonso Gonzales graduated from high school in 1939. Shortly after graduating, he served in WWII, in both the U.S. Navy and the Marines. He worked as a medic in Okinawa, KTLA reports.

When he returned the to United States, he enrolled in classes at the University of Southern California and was set to graduate in 1953. But he left school when his business began to take off.

Now, 65 years later, he finished what he started. He was just one credit short of earning his diploma, according to NBC News. He finished up his last class in autobiographical writing, and is now the oldest graduate in USC history.

His family and the university commend him for never giving up on his dream.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

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