Class of ’43 graduate featured in The Washington Post

Fred Taylor ’43 and his daughter, Linda, were featured in The Washington Post about his attendance at Cornell’s 2023 Commencement ceremony. 

Taylor missed his Cornell College graduation 80 years ago to serve during World War II.

“It was just something that felt incomplete—doing all the work for the degree and not walking across the stage and receiving that diploma,” Taylor told The Washington Post.

Linda recently surprised her 101-year-old father with airplane tickets and arrangements to do what he never got to do–walk the stage at graduation. President Jonathan Brand will introduce him at the ceremony.

“Every student deserves that moment in front of their families to celebrate the completion of college, even if it’s 80 years later,” Brand said. “Plus, Fred is a powerful example for our Class of 2023 graduates. Through Fred, we witness how Cornellians lead fulfilling and meaningful lives serving others. This is a day we’ll never forget.”