Key Point Summary – Grandmother finishes college

• Joan Alexander, 88, received her education degree from the University of Maine.
• She was barred from graduating in 1959 because she became pregnant.
• Her daughter helped the university recognize prior teaching work to fulfill requirements.
• Officials called her story inspiring and gave her a shoutout during the ceremony.
• Alexander now feels “a hole in her heart has been healed.”

A Dream Deferred No More

Joan Alexander’s college journey took 66 years — but she never gave up. The 88-year-old grandmother from New Hampshire finally earned her degree in education from the University of Maine this May after being blocked from graduating back in 1959.

Why? Because she got pregnant.

Alexander’s college barred her from student teaching — a requirement for graduation — after learning she was expecting her first child with her husband. That single rule cost her a diploma. But it never killed her dream.

“I didn’t realize that it would mean so much to me,” Alexander said. “But I now feel that a hole in my heart has been healed.”

Family Steps In To Right A Wrong

The turning point came earlier this year when her daughter Tracy, contacted the university. She explained the injustice and helped them review Joan’s past work. Officials agreed that Joan’s time as a full-time preschool aide in the 1980s met the student teaching requirement.

Justin Dimmel, associate dean for the College of Education and Human Development, called her story moving.

“Her commitment to completing her undergraduate education was inspiring to me, my colleagues and the graduating class of 2025,” he said.

While Joan couldn’t travel to Maine for the May 11 commencement, Tracy and her granddaughter Isabel represented her with pride.

Celebrated On The Big Stage

At the ceremony, University President Joan Ferrini-Mundy gave Joan a heartfelt shoutout. Tracy was deeply touched.

“Everyone I met was so excited to help make this happen,” she said. “I really felt that my mother was seen and recognized.”

Joan officially graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education, making her likely the oldest graduate in the university’s history.

Life Of Service And Resilience

After her college setback, Joan focused on raising her four daughters. Her husband, a U.S. Coast Guard member, was often away for long stretches. She managed the household and still found time to volunteer at her church, local library, and an elementary school.

Despite the sacrifices, she remained the only one in her family without a degree — until now.

“My parents did not complete college, so this was important to me,” she said. “My husband and four daughters have their college degrees, so I was the only one… It gives me a sense of closure and accomplishment.”

Education Win Six Decades In The Making

Now living with one of her daughters in New Hampshire, Joan Alexander isn’t just a grandmother — she’s a graduate. Her determination, even after decades, sends a powerful message: It’s never too late to finish what you started.

She may not have walked across the stage in person, but her story stood taller than anyone in a cap and gown that day.