78-year-old Great Grandmother receives college degree

Vivian Cunningham, 78-year-old Samford University Graduate

Source: Stephanie Douglas/Samford University

According to today.com, a great-grandmother received her undergraduate degree from Samford University.

Vivian Cunningham spent years as a janitor. She soon after became the manager of the Alabama Power Company. She retired in 1992. She decided to use her company's tuition reimbursement plan to obtain her associates degree in paralegal studies. She decided to obtain a liberal studies degree at Stamford University 6 years ago, where she is now graduating at the age of 78.

Vivian Cunningham with her family during graduation.

Source: Stephanie Douglas/Samford University

Cunningham is the mother of two, the grandmother of three, and the great-grandmother of three. She credits her children for helping her achieve this great accomplishment.

Cunningham also gives gratitude to the support received from Samford Office of Professional Studies director Bryan Gill and associate director Nicole B. Otero.

She tells reporters, “I felt like I wanted to quit at times, but they were behind me 100%. They kept pushing me...My friends have called and told me that it has motivated them. And some of the young ones in my family, too. They said if I can do it, they can do it.”

She is a testament that you can do what you put your mind to and to never give up.