90-Year-Old California Woman Celebrates College Graduation—73 Years After Earning High School Diploma

A 90-year-old woman from Temecula, California, has officially graduated from college, more than seven decades after earning her high school diploma. Rita Victoria Hernandez received her associate degree from Mount San Jacinto College (MSJC) during its 61st Commencement Ceremony held at Pechanga Resort Casino on Thursday, May 22.

Hernandez, the oldest graduate in the MSJC Class of 2025, first enrolled at the college during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraged by her family to "keep her brain alive." It was her first time attending college, despite having earned her high school diploma 73 years ago. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to Torrance, California, over 60 years ago and has since built a large family that includes 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Overcoming numerous obstacles, including health challenges and personal losses, Hernandez completed her degree with the support of her professors and fellow students. She expressed deep gratitude for the encouragement she received, saying, “I was fortunate to learn from inspiring and dedicated professors whose encouragement played a key role in my success.”

Among the 2,556 graduates receiving diplomas at the ceremony, Hernandez stood out as a symbol of perseverance and lifelong learning. She participated in the graduation ceremony using a mobility scooter and was warmly welcomed by the audience as she made her way through the crowd. Wearing a cap decorated with the Puerto Rican flag, Hernandez walked across the stage to accept her diploma, receiving numerous hugs and handshakes along the way.

Hernandez’s academic journey has become a multigenerational family legacy. Her granddaughter graduated from MSJC in 2022, her great-granddaughter followed in 2024, and this fall, her great-grandson will begin classes at the same college.