Dr. Timothy Ireland, Niagara University provost, presented Louis John Pioli with his associate’s degree 75 years after his anticipated graduation date of May 1944.

In September of 1940, Louis John Pioli was a freshman at Niagara University. One year later, he was drafted into World War II and served honorably as a glider trooper in the 13th Airborne Division, stationed in France. At the end of the war, he returned home to his wife, but never came back to NU to complete his degree.

At this year’s commencement ceremonies, 99-year-old Louis was conferred his associate’s degree. He wasn’t able to make the trip from his home in South Burlington, Vt., to Monteagle Ridge to accept the diploma himself, but his grandson, Kevin Pioli-Hunt, accepted it on his behalf.

The following Monday, Dr. Timothy Ireland, Niagara University provost, traveled to Saint Michael’s College in Burlington to present Louis with his official diploma.