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Vivian Cunningham is a retired Alabama Power Company worker, mother of two, grandmother of three, and great-grandmother of three. She is also, as of this past weekend, a college graduate.
Cunningham spent six years working toward her degree in liberal studies at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
"If I could have done cartwheels across the stage, I would have," she said.
Cunningham was joined by her family Saturday for a graduation ceremony that she hopes will serve as inspiration for others who wish to obtain a college degree, regardless of their age.
"I say follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you it can't be done, keep pushing and keep God in the plan," she said.
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"My friends have called and told me that it has motivated them," Cunningham said. "And some of the young ones in my family, too. They said if I can do it, they can do it."
Cunningham credited a number of individuals with keeping her on track, including her daughter Tarra Barnes, son Donald Cunningham, son-in-law retired Army Col. Rob Banes, Samford Office of Professional Studies director Bryan Gill and associate director Nicole B. Otero.
"I felt like I wanted to quit at times, but they were behind me 100%," she continued. "They kept pushing me."
Cunningham's incredible achievement motivated Tarra to pursue her PhD at North Caroline AT&T; Tarra's son Jordan is now in a master's degree program at the University of Miami.
"We're so elated," Barnes said. "She set a goal, and it took her a little journey to get there, but she finished it. She really has motivated our family."