Enid Man's Graduation Postponed 67 Years

By Darren Brown, News9.com

ENID, Oklahoma -- Don Becker has a knack for missing stuff.  He missed his 1939 graduation from Goltry High School, and he missed his graduation from John Brown University four years later.

It's not all Becker's fault though. He contracted the measles shortly before his high school graduation and before commencement in college he had enlisted in the Air Force.   

"I was in school on Friday and Monday I was on a bus to Ft. Sill," Becker said.

And while he was busy with basic training, a friend took his place and his diploma on the graduation stage.

It's a fact that has never really bothered Becker.  After his military service he worked 40 plus years for Union Equity, the company that provided him the scholarship to John Brown University. Since his retirement he's stayed busy providing and delivering meals for a local food pantry.

Becker thought everyone knew of his graduation tale, but at a recent family gathering his step-daughter became intrigued, and began making plans to get him up on the graduation stage.

Her efforts paid off last month when Don Becker, now 89-years-old, led JBU's class of 2009 into the commencement ceremony. He was honored by John Brown Jr. who, in addition to being the university's chancellor, was also a classmate of Becker's.  

The ceremony was a highlight for the normally low-key Becker, who gave a short speech to the 2009 class, and enjoyed VIP treatment for the weekend.

"Actually it was probably better to graduate like I did than it would have been in '43," Becker said.