After retiring, former lawyer Archie White wanted to know again and went back to university.
Now he's graduated - at the age of 96.
Hastings - As a young man, Archie White studied law from Strand Quay, England.
He worked as a lawyer in his own law firm until he was 92, then he retired.
Obviously, however, he was not enjoying retirement.
So started painting.
After all, he has always been interested in art.
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion.
The Briton also began to be interested in the theoretical connections between art and painting.
By chance, an acquaintance told him that he had just started a second degree.
Despite his old age, White decided to do the same.
To study fine arts, he enrolled at East Sussex College in Hastings.
Archie White: He narrowly missed a record
It took White almost three years to graduate from university.
In the meantime he learned not only pottery and analog photography, but also how to use the graphics program Photoshop.
Impressive for a 96 year old retired attorney.
After all, White was born while the Queen's grandfather, George V, was still on the English throne.
At first, White had no intention of getting a degree.
However, his private interest in the subject quickly gave way to his ambition.
At 96 years and 56 days, White finally submitted his project for the final exam.
That makes him the oldest Briton ever to graduate.
However, he missed another record: At 96 years and 200 days, the Japanese Shigemi Hirata remains the oldest university graduate in the world.
Archie White: Retirement is out of the question
The course itself was not difficult for him.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Archie White revealed: “It means nothing to me to be the oldest graduate.
I just had fun studying this subject.
I absolutely enjoyed it and had fascinating experiences.
Just learning Photoshop was a little difficult for me. "
Now, finally, dedicating himself to painting and retirement is out of the question for the Briton: “I had a long and fulfilling career myself, but what makes me sad is that many graduates will inevitably have difficulties as artists, potters, Photographers or sculptors make ends meet.
That's why I want to set up a foundation to help such graduates. "
His fellow students and lecturers will remember him as a popular student. Unit Director Hannah Birkett told the
Daily Mail
, “It's been a pleasure teaching Archie for the past three years. He made a unique contribution to the course and his personal development has been exceptional. We all enjoyed working with him and we wish him all the best for the future! "
