Hubert Evans, a former soldier in the Jamaican Defense Force, went to America in the 1980’s, in search of the American dream. For the past 25 years, he’s been a public safety officer at CUNY’s Brooklyn College in New York.
“I’ve been through some rough journey, but I keep on fighting,” 87-year-old Evans said.
CUNY employees get free tuition, so he set out to get his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Medgar Evers College — and that he did. “The college has done a lot for you, so you can offer something back to the college,” he explained. Evans became the oldest degree recipient in the CUNY system for 2016.
Evans majored in political science and minored in physics. He was eager to admit it wasn’t easy. He spent long hours studying between shifts and says his professors were tough but fair.
“I always tried my best not to be late for class, because when you’re late you lose a lot. When you’re late sometimes the first three questions for the questions for the test pass you,” he said.
He was honoured with commendations from the offices of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Never give up an education is worth it,” said Dr. Rudy Crew, president of Medgar Evers College.
Evans said he has plans to get a masters degree.
