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CSC Gives Diploma to Oldest Graduate In Its History
Carl Sandburg College made history Thursday night. No, not because the graduating class was one of the largest in recent memory, but it was WHO was in this year's class.

Spefically, of the 245 graduates, one was 78 years old -- the oldest CSC graduate ever. That man is George Bacon.

Bacon tells WGIL he started taking classes 10 years ago, in a way, on a whim, after retiring from General Motors 12 years ago and coming back to the area.

"I wanted something to do, and I wanted to learn about electricity," Bacon said. "So, I went out to Sandburg, and they said I had to take a math class. So, I took the math class, and I took an electrical course, and I took a machine shop course."

Bacon says he kept on learning, wanting to know about more things, so he kept taking a few classes a year -- until Thursday night, when he received is Associate in Arts Degree.

Bacon tells WGIL that doesn't necessarily mean the last 10 years worth of courses have been smooth sailing.

"It was hard learning," Bacon said. "They have a success center out at Sandburg; and I went there for many, many, many hours of help. And, if it wasn't for the instructors being so interested in me, it wouldn't have been as easy as it was."

Bacon says he still has one main goal: getting into Knox College so he can continue his studying. But he'll have to take a foreign language course at CSC first before he can do that.

As for why he's kept on taking college courses, Bacon says it's simple: it was fun, and it beats sitting around watching T.V. all day.


(George Bacon, toward the right, stands in line waiting for the processional to start at Thursday's Carl Sandburg College commencement ceremonies, held at Galesburg High School.)


(George Bacon, right, take part in the processional leading into the Galesburg High School Auditorium Thursday night for the Carl Sandburg College Commencement. WGIL News Story and Photos by Will Stevenson.)
05 14 10 by Newsroom
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