Student claims record 54 years to complete Bachelor’s Degree: ‘I have been to all of my children’s graduations’
Arthur Ross’s story is a remarkable tale of perseverance and lifelong learning. At 71, he walked the stage at UBC to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree, 54 years after first enrolling in 1969.
This achievement made him the new record holder for the longest time to complete a university degree, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 52 years.
Motivation and Challenges
Ross initially left UBC to pursue acting, attending the National Theatre School in Montreal, before switching to law.
After a successful 35-year career as a lawyer in Vancouver, retiring in 2016, he returned to UBC six years ago, driven by a desire to finish what he started.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, slowing his progress, but his passion for learning kept him going.
He took courses one at a time, finding the experience intellectually stimulating.
Family and Future Plans
Ross, a father of three with six grandchildren, expressed pride in attending all his children’s graduations.
His daughter encouraged him to pursue a master’s degree, and he seemed open to the idea, though no firm plans were mentioned.
His journey underscores the idea that education is timeless, with Ross noting it “sharpens your brain” and is a reminder that “no matter how much you think you know, you don’t know enough.”
Arthur Ross’s 54-Year Journey to Complete His Bachelor’s Degree
Arthur Ross, now 71, has become a symbol of perseverance and lifelong learning, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC) on May 25, 2023, after an astonishing 54-year journey.
This achievement not only marked a personal milestone but also set a new record for the longest time taken to complete a university degree, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record holder, Robert F.P. Cronin, who took 52 years and 111 days to graduate from Princeton University.
Early Enrollment and Diversions
Ross first enrolled at UBC in 1969, at the age of 17, fresh out of Prince of Wales High School in Vancouver.
His initial plan was to pursue a degree in English, but by his second year, his passion for theatre took over.
He spent much of his time in UBC’s theatre department, participating in productions and crossing paths with notable Canadian actors like Nicola Cavendish and Larry Lillo.
This led him to leave UBC after two years to enroll in a three-year program at the esteemed National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal, where he aimed to become an actor.
However, Ross soon realized that the life of an actor wasn’t for him.
Reflecting on this period, he told the BBC, “I decided, ‘Well, maybe I should go to law school and become a lawyer,’ sort of that last resort for everybody who can’t quite figure out what they want to do.”
This decision marked a significant pivot, leading him to law school in Toronto and eventually to a 35-year legal career in Vancouver, retiring in 2016.
Return to Education and Record-Breaking Graduation
After retirement, Ross felt restless and yearned to complete his unfinished degree.
Six years ago, around 2017, he returned to UBC, taking courses one at a time to avoid overwhelming himself.
His studies focused on history and English literature, subjects that aligned with his interests.
He told the Vancouver Sun, “I always thought maybe at some point, I would go back and try to finish off that degree, just as something to do,” highlighting his intrinsic motivation.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, slowed his progress, forcing him to adapt to online learning.
Despite this, Ross’s passion for learning remained strong. He shared with the BBC, “I just wanted to learn because I was curious,” emphasizing that the knowledge gained was his true reward.
On May 25, 2023, Ross walked across the stage at UBC’s convocation ceremony, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree.
This event not only celebrated his academic achievement but also cemented his place in history as the “slowest student in the world,” a title he jokingly embraced.
He told CBC’s On the Coast, “It makes me sound like the slowest student in the world and I guess that’s what I am,” from his family property near Kamloops, B.C.
Family and Personal Impact
Ross’s journey had a profound personal impact, particularly within his family.
A father of three with six grandchildren, he expressed pride in attending all his children’s graduations, a milestone he now shares with them.
His daughter, in particular, was supportive, encouraging him to pursue a master’s degree.
“My daughter says I really should go off and pursue a master’s degree somewhere. I am pleased to have come this far,” he told the BBC, though he didn’t confirm any plans.
His experience also reinforced his belief in the value of education at any age.
Ross told the Vancouver Sun, “It’s important to do the reports and the exams. It sharpens your brain.
And it’s a constant reminder that no matter how much you think you know, you don’t know enough,” underscoring the intellectual stimulation he gained.
Comparative Context and Broader Implications
Ross’s story isn’t unique in its longevity, but it stands out for its duration.
The previous record holder, Robert F.P. Cronin, took 52 years to complete his biology degree at Princeton, starting in 1948 and graduating in 2000.
Ross’s 54 years, however, included significant life events like a law career and family responsibilities, making his achievement particularly notable.
His journey also resonates with broader themes of lifelong learning.
It seems likely that his story inspires others, especially older adults, to return to education, as evidenced by his advice: “It’s a waste not to take the opportunity to study something, anything, that is of interest to you.
Here, the opportunity has presented itself to me, and I have enjoyed it,” he told Business Insider.
Detailed Timeline and Key Milestones
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing key milestones in Ross’s educational and professional journey:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Born in Vancouver, British Columbia. |
| 1969 | Enrolled at UBC at age 17, initially pursuing English. |
| 1971 | Left UBC after two years to attend National Theatre School in Montreal. |
| 1974 | Completed three-year program at National Theatre School, then pursued law. |
| 1981 | Began 35-year legal career in Vancouver after law school in Toronto. |
| 2016 | Retired from law practice, ending a 35-year career. |
| 2017 | Returned to UBC to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree, taking one course at a time. |
| 2020 | Progress slowed due to COVID-19 pandemic, adapted to online learning. |
| 2023 | Graduated on May 25 with a Bachelor of Arts in history and English literature, aged 71. |
This table highlights the extended timeline and the various life paths Ross navigated before completing his degree.
Reflections and Legacy
His experience, shared through interviews with outlets like the BBC and Vancouver Sun, suggests that returning to school can be a fulfilling endeavor, even after decades.
It also raises questions about how universities can support non-traditional students, a topic that seems likely to gain attention as more adults seek education later in life.
In summary, Arthur Ross’s 54-year journey to complete his degree at UBC is a remarkable narrative of curiosity, resilience, and the enduring value of learning.
His achievement, while record-breaking, also serves as an inspiration, showing that it’s never too late to pursue one’s educational goals.
