Alfonso Gonzales

LOS ANGELES (AP) –  It took more than 60 years but a University of Southern
California student has finally received his diploma.

Ninety-six-year-old Alfonso Gonzales received a bachelor of science degree in
zoology on Friday, making him the oldest graduate in USC history.

The World War II veteran thought he’d already graduated when he skipped commencement exercises in 1953 because of work obligations. He was
founding a soil company that he ran for 55 years.

But when relatives recently approached the university about getting a copy of
his diploma, they learned he was one unit short.

Although the school no longer offers a zoology major, it crafted an independent
study course through the gerontology school that included reading, video
assignments, visiting other classes, and writing a thesis about his life.

USC officials call Gonzales a "wonderful inspiration."

Gonzales while serving with the U.S. Navy in 1945.

Dressed in a cap and gown, Alfonzo Gonzales receives his diploma.

Political and educational leaders first began discussions for a day to honor
teachers in 1944.  In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress
to proclaim National Teachers’ Day.  Congress declared March 7, 1980, as
National Teacher Day. The National Education Association continued to
observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985, when the
National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week
of May.  The NEA Representative Assembly then voted to make the Tuesday
of that week National Teacher Day.  National Teacher Day is an unofficial
national holiday.

SANDY KOZEL

Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant)
(April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) 

Geoffrey Chaucer‘s The Canterbury Tales (1392) contains the first
recorded association between April 1 and foolishness. The custom
of setting aside a day for the playing of harmless pranks upon one’s 
family and friends is recognized everywhere.

Thomas Lawson "Tom" McCall (March 22, 1913 – January 8, 1983)

Tom McCall was a radio and television journalist in the state of Oregon. A
Republican, he was the 30th Governor of Oregon from 1967 to 1975. His
two terms as governor were notable for many achievements including the
country’s first "bottle bill". Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland is one
of several items named in his honor.