Jack Milton, a 100-year-old veteran who had served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, attended what he thought was a celebration for his 100th birthday and his contributions to the University of Maryland Global Campus. However, he was surprised with his long-overdue graduation ceremony, which he described as the “finale of a long journey in education.” Milton enrolled at the University of Maryland Global Campus in the 1960s while working at the Pentagon, then known as University of Maryland, University College. The school offers education to non-traditional college students, including veterans, through in-person and distance learning. Milton, a military pilot for 31 years, had accumulated over 12,000 flying hours and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat missions in Vietnam.
While studying at the University of Maryland Global Campus, Milton had earned enough credits for his bachelor of arts diploma and was planning to walk the stage for his graduation in 1966. However, before the ceremony could take place, he was deployed to Vietnam. Not receiving his diploma had always bothered Milton, and he had regrets about not being able to celebrate with his fellow graduates before heading to Southeast Asia. Decades later, University of Maryland Global Campus President Gregory Fowler, PhD, conferred upon Milton his degree and graduation cap during an honorary ceremony. Milton and his wife, Symantha Milton, who remained active in the University of Maryland Global Campus community, supported programs for active duty military and veterans enrolled at the school, establishing the John L. and Symantha Milton Scholarship Fund in 2010 specifically for volunteer caregivers of injured military servicemembers.
The surprise graduation ceremony was an emotional moment for Milton, who expressed appreciation for the honor and recognition after so many years. President Gregory Fowler bestowed the bachelor of arts degree upon Milton, acknowledging his contributions and sacrifices as a military pilot and veteran. Milton’s long and distinguished career in the Air Force, which included multiple wars and combat missions, was marked by exceptional service and dedication. His involvement in the University of Maryland Global Campus community, along with his wife, demonstrated a commitment to supporting programs and scholarships for military personnel and veterans studying at the school.
The University of Maryland Global Campus, formerly known as University of Maryland, University College, has a history of providing educational opportunities for non-traditional college students, including veterans like Jack Milton. The school offers both in-person and distance learning programs to accommodate the diverse needs of its students. Milton’s story is a testament to the lifelong pursuit of education and the value of perseverance and dedication in achieving academic goals. Despite the passage of time, Milton’s graduation ceremony symbolized the fulfillment of a long-held dream and the recognition of his accomplishments as a military pilot and student. The legacy of the Milton family lives on through their support for scholarships and programs benefiting military personnel and their caregivers at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
