In the vibrant tapestry of Lawrenceville, Georgia, a remarkable chapter unfolded in the life of Sam Kaplan, a resident who had quietly carved his niche in the community over the years. On a momentous day, May 11th, when most people might contemplate winding down, Kaplan, now in his 72nd year, inscribed an extraordinary addition to his life story—a college degree.
Picture this: a septuagenarian, amidst a sea of classmates half his age, adorned in cap and gown, gracefully treaded across the stage. The occasion? The conferral of an undergraduate degree in Cinema and Media Arts from George Gwinnett College. A moment that defied the boundaries of age and proved that learning knows no chronological constraints.
What made this achievement all the more poignant was the presence of Kaplan’s 99-year-old mother, a testament to unwavering familial support. Her eyes lit up with pride as her son embraced this newfound academic milestone.
Kaplan’s journey to this academic accolade was unconventional, to say the least. Back in 1969, when his peers were venturing into higher education, Kaplan had chosen a different path, diving headfirst into the world of work. His resume spoke volumes of a diverse career—managing a cleaning service, steering a telemarketing venture, tending to customer service in a wholesale electronics distributor, and even moonlighting as a part-time taxi driver.
Yet, the allure of education never waned. The years may have rolled by, but Kaplan’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. So, against the backdrop of a bustling college campus, he found himself once again, this time as a student. The camaraderie with classmates, the challenges of academia, and the thrill of creative expression became his daily companions.
In an era where many contemplate retirement, Kaplan defied societal norms. His story became a beacon of inspiration, a reminder that education is not bound by the constraints of time. With each step he took towards that stage, he shattered stereotypes, proving that passion and determination could rewrite one’s narrative, regardless of age.
As Lawrenceville whispered tales of this extraordinary feat, Sam Kaplan stood as living proof that the pursuit of knowledge is an eternal journey—one that, when embraced with zeal, can illuminate even the twilight years of life.
“I’m the first of my seven siblings to earn a degree,” said Kaplan. “I was riding down 316 and heard on the radio that Georgia Gwinnett College was offering a degree that involved script writing.”
“My car seemed to have developed automatic steering and I pulled off on Collins Hill Road. Five minutes later, I was registering for the fall semester.”
Initially, it proved to be more challenging than expected. He struggled to recall the nuances of studying, forging friendships, and mastering the various skills demanded of a student. To overcome this, he made a commitment to engage with one student every day. He delved into discussions about their study techniques, aspirations, and strategies for navigating their coursework.
While his five children undoubtedly offered support and guidance, he found that his peers became remarkably candid during these conversations. This openness not only aided his progress but also played a significant role in his academic success.
“He’d always participate and would offer advice and assistance to his classmates,” said Kate Balsley. She’s an associate professor of film who taught Kaplan in several of the classes he took. “Sam was always willing to share photos and stories about his interesting life and his family. We’re so proud to see him graduate, but we will miss him.”
Given his degree, there’s no doubt that we’ll soon find his name in the credits of an independent film.
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