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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 9/26/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
February 3, 2007 Oldest UWGB graduate dies Hirst received bachelor's degree at 77 By Mike Hoeft
Hirst was 77 when he received his bachelor's degree in 2000 in an extended-degree program.
Bill Laatsch, a professor in interdisciplinary studies, on Friday remembered Hirst as an inspiration to students and faculty members.
"He was just a wonderful person," Laatsch said. "He maintained a degree of intellectual curiosity that would challenge any graduate student. He was widely read and kept up on current events and news. He was excited about what was going on."
Hirst's road to college was interrupted by World War II, then by family and a career.
He joined the National Guard during his senior year at a Chicago high school. In 1941, when he was 18, he enlisted in the Air Force. He spent two years in New Guinea, then returned to the United States and was married in 1944. He went to work for Wisconsin Public Service after his discharge in 1945 and retired in 1984.
In 1987, Hirst became curious upon seeing an advertisement for UW-Green Bay's extended degree program, which combines study at home and on campus. He took one course, then another, then another, finding the experience challenging and invigorating.
"In the classroom, our non-traditional students bring their life experiences with them," Laatsch said. "That is so beneficial to traditional students as well. We are able to draw on them."
The average age of all bachelor-degree students at UW-Green Bay is 26. The average age of nontraditional students is 36.
"I think we can expect more of that," Laatsch said. "Demographics are changing. We're finding more individuals coming into the program because they are older and we can deliver education in multiple venues, including distance learning."
Hirst is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen, three sons, a daughter and other family members.
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