Jack Milton, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, thought he was attending a celebration for his 100th birthday and for his contributions to the University of Maryland Global Campus, his alma mater. However, he was surprised with a long-overdue graduation ceremony instead, which he described as the “tops” and the finale of his long educational journey. Milton enrolled at the University of Maryland Global Campus in the 1960s while working at the Pentagon, which at the time was called University of Maryland, University College. The school caters to non-traditional college students, including veterans, and offers both in-person and distance learning. Milton had a successful career as a military pilot, accumulating over 12,000 flying hours and receiving multiple awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Despite earning enough credits for his bachelor of arts diploma in 1966, Milton was unable to attend his graduation ceremony due to being deployed to Vietnam. It always bothered him that he never formally received his diploma, as he thought about his fellow graduates while on his way to Southeast Asia. Decades later, President Gregory Fowler presented Milton with his diploma and graduation cap in a belated ceremony, finally granting him the degree of bachelor of arts with all its rights and privileges. Milton, along with his wife Symantha, has remained involved in the University of Maryland Global Campus community over the years, particularly supporting programs for active military and veterans enrolled at the school. They established the John L. and Symantha Milton Scholarship Fund in 2010, which supports volunteer caregivers of injured military servicemembers.
President Fowler conferred the degree of bachelor of arts to Milton, with a heartfelt congratulatory message, adding a sense of closure to Milton’s lifelong pursuit of education. Milton’s dedication to both his military service and his education exemplify his commitment to learning and giving back to the community, making him a cherished member of the University of Maryland Global Campus family. Through the establishment of the scholarship fund, the Miltons have supported countless individuals and their families, making a positive impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed for their country. The ceremony served as a tribute to Milton’s remarkable life and his unwavering dedication to education and service. The long overdue recognition brought joy and appreciation to Milton and his loved ones, celebrating a milestone that was decades in the making.
