A 96-year-old veteran can now add college graduate to his long list of accomplishments. Alfonso Gonzales became the oldest University of Southern California graduate on Friday, when he received a degree in zoology.
“It took me 65 years to complete my studies but I did,” Gonzales said.
“Oh, it’s a great feeling.”
Born in Lompoc, Gonzales graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1939. Then came the war. He served in both the U.S. Navy and Marines, and in Okinawa, he worked as a medic.
He began his studies at USC in 1947 and was set to graduate in 1953, but plans changed.
His successful Torrance soil business took off. But years later, Gonzales’ family encouraged the longtime Hermosa Beach resident to take the leap and finish what he had started.
“It’s just been a journey for him, all over again, to come back to SC and earn his degree,” Gonzales’ nephew, Mario Gonzales, who attended the graduation said.