John Marchetti walked proudly across the floor of the Continental Airlines Arena with his tassel intact, a smile on his face and the distinction of being the class of 2002's oldest graduate. At age 77, Marchetti earned a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in Italian.

He began his studies in 1992. "My wife passed away in 1990, and I retired shortly afterward," explained Marchetti, who was married 40 years and had operated a women's shoe business that had factories in Spain and Italy. "There was a void in my life, so I decided to go to school."

The Cedar Grove resident said he had always been fascinated with history, and his years in the service led him to places around the world. "I traveled extensively," he said. "I saw a lot and learned a lot."

Marchetti speaks highly of the professors he had at Montclair State, saying, "Where else can you learn from people who have spent their entire lives studying the subject? They are suberb."

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