Giuseppe Paternò completed his undergraduate degree in history and philosophy with top honours at the University of Palermo, in Sicily.
He graduated on July 28.
Paternò was born on September 10, 1923.
He’s lived through the fascist era, war, liberation, the post-war period, the years of democracy and the nation’s social and economic struggles.
Despite his keen interest in reading and studying, Paternò wasn’t able to attend university in his youth, having grown up in a poor but dignified family in Sicily and only receiving basic education as a child.
From a young age, his priority was working and providing for his family.
His first job was as a bellboy and he also worked at a brewery.
After joining the navy to serve in the war, Paternò eventually went on to work for the Italian state railway company, where he stayed until his retirement.
Paternò’s life after retirement gave him the chance to devour literature and learn about history.
In 2017, at the aged of 94, he decided to embark on a three-year degree at the University of Palermo.
As a student, he preferred textbooks over Google and always typed out his work on a typewriter that was a gift from his mother.
Though he confessed he was a little out of his comfort zone with the virtual lessons that replaced the classroom due to COVID-19, the pandemic didn’t deter him from reaching his goal.
While most students graduate in front of proud parents, Paternò was surrounded by his two children, as well as a bunch of loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
But Paternò isn’t done yet: he’s now considering undertaking a postgraduate degree.
Should he pursue this option, he would graduate a year before his 100th birthday.
With ANSA
