UST batch ‘79, nagtapos sa 2025: 64-anyos na lolo, graduate na sa UST matapos ang mahabang panahon

- The decades-long dream of 64-year-old Roberto “Bobby” Solis has finally been realized

- Lolo Bobby finally graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, over 40 years after he first enrolled in 1979

- Solis returned to complete his degree in 2023, driven by a desire to fulfill a long-held dream and to honor his late father, who also pursued education later in life

- His perseverance has garnered widespread admiration online, with netizens praising him as an inspiration and a testament that "age is just a number" when it comes to education

A 64-year-old senior citizen finally graduated from the University of Santo Tomas after he first enrolled there in 1979.

In a remarkable testament to perseverance and lifelong learning, Roberto “Bobby” Solis, who first stepped onto the campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1979, is finally set to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree as part of the Class of 2025.

His journey spans over four decades, marking an inspiring narrative of deferred dreams finally realized.

Now 64 years old, Solis embarked on his collegiate path for an A.B. Communication Arts degree at the Faculty of Arts and Letters in 1979.

However, like many students, circumstances led him to pause his studies. He left UST in 1983, with just 23 units remaining to complete his degree, to pursue various professional opportunities, including a career as a fashion adviser specializing in fur.

More than 40 years later, in 2023, Solis decided to pick up where he left off.

His decision to return to academic life was driven by a deep-seated desire to fulfill a long-held personal ambition and, profoundly, to honor the legacy of his late father, who also pursued education later in his life.

This powerful motivation propelled him through the remaining academic requirements, with his final 23 units successfully completed by December 2024.

Lolo Bobby’s inspiring story has resonated widely across social media platforms, garnering an outpouring of admiration and congratulations from netizens.

The news quickly went viral, with thousands of comments celebrating his achievement.

Many lauded him as a living embodiment of the adage that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing dreams.

Comments flooded in, expressing awe and respect for his dedication.

Phrases like “Never too late to learn and pursue your dreams! Congrats, Sir! You are an inspiration!” and “Truly inspiring! Congratulations, Sir!” were common themes.

Netizens often highlighted the message that education knows no age limit: “Congrats po! Proof na walang pinipiling edad ang pag-aaral.” (Proof that learning has no age limit.)

Another user echoed, “Mabuhay po kayo Sir! Patunay na walang matanda para mangarap at mag-aral.” (Long live Sir! Proof that no one is too old to dream and study.)

Many identified with his struggle and found personal encouragement in his success.

“Ang tanda ko na mag graduate din ng college. Nakakainspire lalo,” (I'm old too, I'll graduate college too. This is even more inspiring) one person shared, while others simply offered “Salute sir! 🙏” and “Idol! Congratulations Sir!”

His journey is seen by many as a powerful representation of the “Thomasian spirit” – resilience and the pursuit of excellence regardless of obstacles.

Looking ahead, Lolo Bobby has no plans of slowing down. Following his graduation from UST, he intends to continue his academic pursuits by enrolling in law school, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to education and personal growth.

His remarkable achievement serves as a profound reminder that with determination and passion, one can always rewrite their story and reach for aspirations, no matter how many years have passed.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a pregnant nurse and her unborn child died in a tragic and horrifying accident in a barangay in Bago City, Negros Occidental. The horrific vehicular accident happened last Sunday, June 1, resulting in the death of six-month pregnant nurse, Maria Angela Buendia, and her unborn child. Police investigation show that Buendia was crossing the highway using the pedestrian lane when she was first hit by an Avanza and then, after being thrown to the opposite lane, was run over by a Yaris. The extreme force of the collision caused the six-month-old fetus to be tragically expelled from the victim’s womb at the scene.

Still in other news, a baby died after she vomited and suffered from diarrhea. In a report by GMA Public Affairs, her mom, April Melitante, said that the toddler vomited and defecated on April 22, and that the brought her to her pediatrician the following day. Her mom explained that she was still drinking milk and took in all her medicine, but while she stopped vomiting, she continued defecating, and was rushed to the hospital that afternoon. The baby had several seizures, on-off fever, and her skin started darkening, but that very night the little one died.

Source: KAMI.com.gh