80-Year-Old Post University Student Proves You Are Never Too Old to Go Back to School

After a Lifetime Serving Others, Naugatuck Resident Enrolls in B.S. in Human Services Program

WATERBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For Charlotte Butler, an 80-year-old Naugatuck resident, today is a perfect day to go back to school. Although Butler will join thousands of other students starting online accelerated degree program classes today at Post University, she holds a special place in the hearts of Post University’s faculty and staff. She is among the oldest students ever to enroll at the 123-year-old Waterbury university.

“I couldn’t imagine finishing my program without them, with everything I have going on in my life.”

Butler is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in human services. Staying true to her history, which is anything but ordinary, Butler decided to enroll in an online degree program because she wants to keep her brain active and be an inspiration to her grown sons. A 1950 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Butler has been a foster mother to several children, including her 19-year-old adopted son.

“A smarter America is a stronger America, and people today are not using their brains enough. I want to stay active both physically and mentally and age is no obstacle,” says Butler. As to why she decided to take online classes rather than attend the university’s main campus in Waterbury, she says, “I couldn’t imagine finishing my program without them, with everything I have going on in my life.” Butler also wants to complete her degree in human services to motivate her three sons – ages 19, 59 and 60 -- to follow in her footsteps.

“Charlotte is a true inspiration to every student, young and old, and living proof that it’s never too late to go back to school,” says Tom Samph, President and CEO of Post University. “Charlotte’s life experience and enthusiasm for learning will no doubt enliven the discussions in every class she takes, and serve as inspiration for faculty, staff and students alike!”

Butler plans to begin taking classes through Post University’s Online Education Institute in MOD 4, which begins today and continues for the next eight weeks. Her first course will be “Learning Across the Lifespan”, which is specifically designed to help returning adult students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful lifelong learner.

More details on Charlotte’s story can be read on Post University’s blog at http://blog.post.edu/2013/03/80-year-old-naugatuck-woman-goes-back-to-school-to-set-example-for-sons.html

Founded in 1890, Post University has been a pioneer in providing distance learning programs since 1976. In 1996, it began offering accelerated degree programs over the Internet and is now the largest provider of fully online higher education in Connecticut. Through the Online Education Institute, Post University is also providing expertise and support to other regional non-profit universities that want to extend the reach of their campus-based programs to online adult learners.

About Post University

Founded in 1890, Post University is a student-focused, career-driven university committed to providing students with the knowledge, personal skills and experience required to be leaders in their chosen fields. Located in Waterbury, Conn., Post University provides a wide array of degree programs for on-campus and online students of all ages. It is known for its quality, career-driven academic programs, small classes, and competitive NCAA Division II athletics. Its nearly 16,000 full- and part-time students come from the United States and abroad, and are supported by faculty whose mission is to prepare students to compete and succeed in today’s global workplace. To learn more about Post University, visit www.Post.edu or call 800-345-2562.