Carson City residents Florence Phillips is a graduating senior at Western Nevada Community College, as is Tara Cheney. That's one of the things they have in common.
The main difference is a generation gap of 53 years. Phillips is 72, the most senior senior; and Cheney, 19, is the youngest grad.
"I consider myself a young senior," Phillips said Friday. "I just finished my last final today. I feel like a celebrity. I've received a lot of compliments, which is good for my ego."
Phillips will receive her associate of arts degree in general studies. She plans to enroll in the University of Nevada, Reno.
"I heard an 80-year-old got her BA, and figured if she can do it, I can do it," she said.
Phillips respects the other young women doing what she did, especially the mothers.
"I'm in awe of the young single moms going to school. I really admire that," Phillips said. "In my day, it wasn't considered necessary for women to get a college degree."
Phillips has served three times in the Peace Corps and is a VISTA recruiter for Americorps.
Cheney and Phillips represent a history-making year for the college.
This is the largest class in the 32-year history of the college, with students earning a record 432 degrees and certificates.
Between Carson City and Fallon, 390 students will be honored at commencement ceremonies.
The Carson City commencement is at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
The Sierra Highlanders bagpipers will play for the processional.
Reno Mayor Bob Cashell will give the commencement address.
In Fallon, commencement is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Barkley Theater at the Oats Park Art Center. Howard Rosenberg will be the speaker.
IF YOU GO
What: WNCC graduation
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Carson City Community Center
