72-year-old School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) student Jayne Alcorn first began her educational journey at the University of Central Florida in 1978. This week, 44 years later, she is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Art, Studio Track.
After graduating from Seminole High School in 1969, Jayne initially pursued art and dance at the University of South Florida in Tampa. However, the field’s limited career opportunity coupled with the cost of higher education forced her to leave college for the workforce. Over the course of eight years, she took classes while working and eventually earned her A.A. from the University of South Florida. She then transferred to UCF, but unfortunately had to pause her education due to work and marriage.
Now, more than 40 years later, Jayne has returned to UCF to finish her degree.
“I always wanted to get a B.A. or BFA in painting. It has been a goal of mine. It was my father’s wish also for me to finish,” says Jayne. “When I became a widow, I decided to finally to go back to college and get the degree.”
Many things have changed since Jayne first began her college career in 1969, but through the help of her fellow classmates, she has enjoyed getting adjusted to the new technology.
“It’s been a real learning curve going back to school,” she explains. “The online enrolling and classes, emails, power-point and in-class lectures has been a real change. It used to be an auditorium lecture and slide show. The other students were supportive, giving me assistance whenever I needed it. I recommend anyone thinking about returning to do so. It helps to keep current with what is happening.”