NEVER TOO LATE: MAN WILL GET DEGREE AFTER 50-YEAR HIATUS

At age 69, most people are thinking about retirement, but Tom Reddick of New Madrid has been working on his college degree. He will graduate from Southeast Missouri State University Saturday.

"After graduation, I plan to write my resume and look into job prospects. I may be nearly 70 years old, but I don't want to quit. I still have interests and goals," Reddick said.

In 1987, Reddick re-enrolled at Southeast and has taken courses in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in industrial technology. He will receive a degree in general studies during the 1992 spring commencement scheduled for the Show Me Center.

The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

He first enrolled at Southeast in 1941. World War II put his education on hold, and he served his tour of duty as a hospital foreman in the Navy. Stateside, Reddick worked as a bookkeeper for a bank in New Madrid from 1945 to 1949. He also served in the Korean War.

In 1952, he formed a mobile laboratory company for testing electrical equipment for house meters. Upon his retirement in 1950, Reddick looked to his future and felt the key to his dream was a college degree.

In 1987, he was able to begin that goal.

"I have always had an interest in electrical technology. After years of retirement, I saw an opportunity to return to college. I have learned more about electricity than I have ever thought possible," Reddick said.

During his first few semesters at Southeast, Reddick lived in the residence halls.

"Possibly the increased public awareness about the elderly helped people to pretty much see that there are old people out there who can do things. I've made a lot of friends during my stay at Southeast," Reddick said.

"It's like I tell my sons, learning is something you can never get enough of. There is always something new to know," he said.

In 1990, he moved to the Missouri Veterans' Home in Cape Girardeau, but continued his studies.

"Although he had a 50-year absence from college life, he never lost sight of his desire for a college degree," said Desma Reno, administrator of the Veterans' Home. "All of us have been supportive of him and feel proud of him in his achievement."

Reddick said he has only one regret. His mother died at age 92 last year and had wished to see him graduate.

"I've asked Desma to be my second mother, to be there with me when I pick up my diploma," he said.

Reno and other friends from the Veterans' Home will attend his graduation.

"We will be there, cheering him on," Reno said.

For the last two years, Reddick has served as president of the residence council at the Veterans' Home. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. After graduation, he said he plans to pursue a position in the Veterans' Administration.

He was married to Betty Reddick. Their children are Steve, 34, of Florida; Roland, 26, of Utah; and Linda Reddick, 24, of Oklahoma.