Konie Baldwin, grandmother of 14, received her associate degree at Ricks College 42 years ago.
Now, at the age of 62, she has graduated with a bachelor’s of Business Management, after returning to school for four years of online study with BYU-Idaho. She was one of 2,975 graduates this semester.
She offered advice to other students pursuing higher education later in life and shared how her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has shaped her education.
"This is hard, and our Heavenly Father and your support system will be there for you,” she said. “You think you're too old to do any of this, but you're not. The Lord has said you're not too old to have education, so keep going."
Baldwin fulfilled her dream today as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma in the convocation ceremony.
The graduate has big plans on how to use her degree. She hopes to open a candy business, continuing a family tradition.
"My grandma made homemade candy and so I want to do that. I am going to open up a truck mobile called Miss B's candy shop," Baldwin said.
Baldwin completed her degree online in Las Vegas and flew to Idaho so she could walk for graduation. She expressed gratitude for the technology, resources and people at BYU-Idaho who have supported her along the way.
"I'm grateful that I've been able to learn so much and technology has changed,” she said. “There are students that are willing to help. There are advisors that are willing to help and BYU-Idaho is for everyone, no matter who you are."
Baldwin's husband is also at graduation to support her as she finishes her college education and moves on to the next chapter.