By Tanner Anderson, Page Editor
Lucy Fullerton is a senior applied studies major from Irving. She has one more class to pass before walking across the stage to receive her diploma in May, and she is taking that class with her granddaughter.
After finishing two on-line courses last semester, Lucy needed one more credit in order to receive her applied studies degree; it was by coincidence that her granddaughter Cara Fullerton, junior marketing major from Abilene, was enrolled in the same Nutrition and Wellness class.
“I went to class and saw her there. I had no idea that she was enrolled in that class. After our names were called, the teacher stopped taking attendance and asked, ‘Are y’all related?'” Cara said.
The family was fully aware of Lucy’s plans, and so were her three grandchildren, who currently are ACU students. They just did not know which class she was taking, and it was a surprise to both Cara and her grandmother to see each other once class began.
The 74-year-old student wanted to complete her degree for some time and decided this year was her chance to achieve her goal.
“I’ve always had the thought that it would be fun to go back to ACU and receive my degree; and all of our family has degrees from ACU,” Lucy said.
Now every Tuesday, Lucy and her husband Tom make the two-and-a-half hour journey from Irving to Abilene. While Tom drives, Lucy studies and reads her curriculum to her husband, preparing for her class.
“I think it’s great what she’s doing, and after all this time, I still enjoy carrying her books and walking her to class,” Tom said.
After the completion of this course, Lucy will fulfill a goal that began 55 years ago: graduating with a college degree.
Lucy was three years old when she was placed in the care of Boles Children’s Home, a facility that provides care for children and single parent families. After high school Lucy received a scholarship to attend ACC. During that time, she studied to become a teacher and met Tom, her husband of 54 years.
She now is the first woman on the board of directors for Boles Children’s Home and wants to use her future degree to benefit the non-profit cooperation.
“With a degree, my word will have more validity and value. I’ll be able to be more involved at Boles, so we can make important differences,” Lucy said.
On May 19, Lucy’s family and friends will add their cheers to the crowds attending the graduation ceremonies.
“It’s really fun to see how people react when I tell them I’m finishing my degree,” Lucy said. “My husband Tom and family are supportive 100 percent.”
