Courthouse Clerk Earns Bachelor’s Degree at Age 72

New Jersey courthouse clerk Elaine Bialow, employed by the Middlesex County Courthouse, graduated this week from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is 72 years old.

Bialow worked toward her political science degree not for a promotion or more money, but for her own edification.

"I wanted the degree for me," she said. "I'm not leaving (my job). I love my job. I love the work environment. I just did it for myself."

Ms. Bialow previously earned her associate degree in paralegal studies in 2002 and plans to continue to work full-time.

New Brunswick Home News Journal

In a related story, another New Jersey resident Dominick Ruggiero, who has an associate degree in paralegal studies from Pasco-Hernando Community College in Florida, graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. He is 76 years old. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Of course, Mae West’s take on this is, “You’re never too old to become younger.” I myself am a big believer in the power of continuing education, formal or informal, to help keep us young at heart and in spirit.