Edgar 'E.W.' Ford, Jr. C'78

May 22, 2013
35 years later, 91-year-old graduate receives his Richmond diploma

In 1979, Edgar “E.W.” Ford, C’78, was not able to attend his own graduation from University College to receive his diploma. As is customary, the University Registrar mailed his diploma following the ceremony. What no one at the University of Richmond realized was that Ford’s diploma never caught up with Ford himself.

No one, that is, until Ford was invited, along with the other alumni of University College and the School of Continuing Studies, to attend the School’s 2013 Commencement Exercises as the culminating event of the School’s Fiftieth Anniversary celebration.

Ford responded that he’d love to attend the breakfast event and walk in Commencement with other alumni, wearing academic regalia and preceding the students into the Robins Center. And he also told Teresa Glassman, coordinator of external affairs for the School, that he never received his diploma for the Associate in Applied Studies he earned back in 1978.

Glassman told Narduzzi about Ford, who in turn contacted the Registrar’s Office and University President Ed Ayers. They agreed that a new diploma could be issued and should be awarded at the Commencement breakfast, witnessed by all of the alumni and special guests in attendance.

So on Saturday, May 11, 2013, Dean Narduzzi and President Ayers awarded Ford, age 91, his diploma.