LOS ANGELES — It took more than 60 years, but a University of Southern California student has finally received his diploma.
Alfonso Gonzales, 96, received a Bachelor of Science in zoology Friday, making him the oldest graduate in USC history.
The World War II veteran thought he'd already graduated when he skipped commencement exercises in 1953 because of work obligations. He was founding a soil company that he ran for 55 years.
However, when relatives approached the university about getting a copy of his diploma, they learned he was one unit short.
Although the school no longer offers a zoology major, it crafted an independent study course through the gerontology school that included reading, video assignments, visiting other classes and writing a thesis about his life.
USC officials said Gonzales is a "wonderful inspiration."