MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Roberto Fernandez enrolled at Florida International University when it opened its doors in 1972.

Years later, his accounting business and family responsibilities kept him away from classes.

“Because of my work, I couldn’t finish,” Fernandez said. “And with one course to go, I had to quit, and I had to keep on working,”

Fernandez’s son, an assistant college professor at FIU’s College of Business, motivated him to enroll in the interdisciplinary studies program.

“All this time, all these years, I never forgot about it, and I felt bad because I didn’t do it at that time,” Fernandez said.

On Tuesday, during a commencement ceremony, Fernandez was the final graduate and got a standing ovation from all of those present.

Fernandez said he learned a lesson about persistence, and he had a message for anyone in a similar situation.

“Don’t give up,” Fernandez said. “Keep on trying until you succeed.”

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