In a heartwarming display of determination, Plymouth resident Patty Soter has become a local hero after achieving her long-held dream of earning an associate degree at the age of 72. Last week, Soter proudly joined hundreds of fellow graduates at Schoolcraft College’s 60th Annual Commencement Ceremony, donning her cap and gown as family members cheered her on. While most of her classmates were decades younger—some even young enough to be her grandchildren—Soter stood tall as she crossed the stage to receive her hard-earned diploma from College President Dr. Glenn Cerny.
Soter’s educational journey spans several decades, making her accomplishment all the more remarkable. Having started and stopped her college education multiple times throughout her life, she demonstrates that persistence eventually pays off. “When I retired from U of M, I decided this was the time,” she explained, reflecting on her decision to finally complete the goal she had set for herself years ago. Her story resonates with many in the Plymouth community who see in her the embodiment of lifelong learning and the courage to pursue personal goals regardless of age.
Before her retirement, Soter built a diverse career working as an airline reservationist and as a secretary for various institutions, including the University of Michigan. Despite having taken classes at different schools over the years, life’s demands repeatedly interrupted her educational pursuits. “There are other things that were going on. I think I stopped this journey about four times,” Soter reflected. Her determination to finally complete her degree after retirement showcases the remarkable resilience that has made her a local hero in Plymouth.
Upon consulting with a Schoolcraft College advisor, Soter discovered she only needed a few more classes to complete her degree requirements. Already familiar with the college from fitness classes she had taken through their Personal & Professional Learning program, she enrolled in the necessary credit courses to finish her degree. Among these was a theater class that connected her with her grandchildren’s interests. “It was the best thing I could have done. It’s so fun,” she shared enthusiastically about her THEA 120 class with instructor Paul Beer, whom she described as “wonderful.”
While Soter’s presence on campus was generally comfortable, her age occasionally created amusing situations. In one memorable instance, younger students mistook her for their instructor when she entered a classroom early. “I guess they saw me as an older person walking in there and they said, ‘Oh, that must be the instructor,’ so everybody follows behind me,” she recounted with humor. “They were shocked.” Despite such moments highlighting the age gap between her and traditional students, Soter embraced the full college experience with grace and enthusiasm that inspired many around her.
Far from considering her education complete, this local hero is already contemplating her next academic challenge. After some well-deserved travel time, Soter is seriously considering enrollment at Wayne State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Her educational journey demonstrates that learning truly has no age limit and that determination can overcome decades of delays and detours. The Plymouth community continues to celebrate her achievement as an inspiration for residents of all ages.
Soter’s message to others contemplating a return to education is refreshingly straightforward: “I guess you can only say ‘Just do it,'” she advised. “Think outside the box. Improve your mental capacity, as well as your physical capacity, because it’s all here.” Her practical wisdom, earned through years of life experience, resonates deeply with community members who may have put their own educational dreams on hold. By following her own advice, Soter has transformed from a retiree to a graduate, and ultimately to a community inspiration.
As she considers her future at Wayne State University, Soter continues to embody the spirit of continuous growth and lifelong learning. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that goals don’t expire and that it’s never too late to pursue education. For many in the Plymouth area who have watched her walk across that commencement stage at 72, Patty Soter represents what’s possible when determination meets opportunity—regardless of age. Her story will likely inspire others to revisit their own delayed dreams and give them new life.
