At Nearly 91 Years Old, Graduate Receives Bachelor’s Degree

Sixty-seven years after he received a two-year degree from Averett, Albert Maurakis, ‘41, ‘08, graduated May 3 with his second, a bachelor of arts degree in history.

Finishing his education was always something Albert wanted to do, but it wasn’t until three years ago when he was talking to his wife, Pat, ‘85, MED, that he really considered it.

“It’s a real mystery” why I wanted to go back, he said. “We were having a conversation, and I said I should go back and get my degree. I went that very day to see about enrolling. It was compulsive. I told Dr. Pfau, if my mind and body work, I’m going to get my degree.”

“It was not really an impulse,” Pat interjected. “It was something he’d always wanted to do.”

“I fi nished at Averett in 1941 and felt as if I had to go back (there). There was a tie (to the University),” Albert said. “Pat has been a really great help, really supportive.”

Albert’s return to school was an adjustment for both. For Pat, it meant early morning alarms, as Albert would get up at 6:30 a.m. for an 8 o’clock class. It also meant a restricted social life.

“I studied day, night,” Albert said. “Christmas Break? Forget it, studying. Spring Break, Fall Break, studying. Even though my mind is still functioning it was hard to grasp things that are new.”

Early mornings and extra study were not all that Albert had to get used to as there was a “vast difference” between Averett as it was 67 years ago and Averett as it is now.

“I think the professors are much better,” Albert said.

“I don’t even know if I had professors that had Ph.D.s the fi rst time. I fi nd the professors knowledgeable and learned a lot from them. I hope they learned something from me.

“The fi rst week in school, I was in history class and a girl came in and sat next to me. She had breakfast with her and brought coffee. That was my fi rst experience with breakfast in the classroom.”

Albert also had to adjust to the change in dress. When he fi rst went to Averett the men went to school wearing dress shirts and neckties.

“In those days girls dressed (up) and so did guys,” said Albert, who followed the days of old by coming to class in a dress shirt and tie, usually with a cap perched on his head as well.

While Albert has no intention of pursuing another degree —he considers himself “lucky to get through” his bachelor’s degree—he will be auditing at least one class in the fall.

“It never occurred to me to do it sooner, neither has quitting crossed my mind. This is the right time. It was a great experience,” Albert said with a grin.