2 Alabama women proving it’s never too late to graduate

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Two Alabama women have proven it’s never too late to seek a college education. Sherry Potts, 70, and Elaine Smith, 77, are part of graduating classes at two top Alabama colleges.

Potts is a part of the graduating class from Auburn University, while Smith is from the University of Alabama.

Potts, a political science major, is finishing 50 years after starting her college journey. Auburn University said that the longtime state driver license examiner would be one of nearly 4,900 students participating in graduation festivities. Roughly 25 members of Potts’s family will be supporting her as she walks across the stage.

Smith, an interdisciplinary studies major, graduate’s summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She is also part of the Mortar Board honor society and was awarded the Alice Parker Award for Outstanding Work in Literature, Art and Society, according to the University of Alabama.

Smith will be celebrated at graduation by her husband, Lester, and several family members. The university added that her 97-year-old mother-in-law, Mae Smith, would also be cheering for her from afar while watching the live stream, as will many other friends and family.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2023 WSFA. All rights reserved.