It's Never Too Late to Graduate!

We are delighted to report that on Saturday 28th July 2018, New College Old Member Mr John Philip Trower (1941 BA History) returned to Oxford for his graduation ceremony. 

At the fantastic age of 95, Philip has to be one of our oldest alumni to come back and graduate! Philip’s long-awaited graduation was organised by his nephews, Richard Trower and Martin Soldau, and Martin was there to accompany him along with more family members on Saturday. 

Born on 16th May 1923 in London, Philip grew up in Hertfordshire with an elder brother and sisters. After infant schooling, education was at a preparatory school in Dorset, followed by 6 months learning French in Touraine, and then 4 years at Eton.

In January 1941, Philip came up to New College and did a shortened war time degree course. 

Now, a mere 76 years after completing his BA in Modern History in 1942, he has finally attended his graduation ceremony! 

Ahead of his ceremony, Philip was interviewed by BBC Oxford. Have a listen here (at 01:54:30): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06dbvdy

Photo credit: first degree photography/ Mel Cunningham