News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin witnessed a historic spring commencement ceremony as nearly 9,500 students graduated, including 78-year-old Charles ‘Chuck’ Corley, the oldest person to receive a Ph.D. from the Cockrell School of Engineering. Corley, a former Air Force officer, completed his doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering, exemplifying the spirit of lifelong learning. His journey through academia, filled with challenges and perseverance, serves as an inspiration for future generations. The ceremony was marked with a speech by Taylor Sheridan and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Austin, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin made headlines on May 10, 2025, as nearly 9,500 students graduated during the spring commencement ceremonies, and a remarkable milestone was achieved with the graduation of 78-year-old Charles “Chuck” Corley. Corley stands as the oldest person ever to earn a Ph.D. from the university’s Cockrell School of Engineering, having completed his doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering in December 2024.
Chuck Corley’s academic path began later in life, after serving in the U.S. Air Force and working in the semiconductor industry for decades. His journey to higher education started in his 60s, reflecting a commitment to lifelong learning. Corley graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1968 with a perfect 4.0 GPA before serving as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he spent many years working in microprocessor development for esteemed companies including Texas Instruments, Motorola, and NXP.
Corley’s dissertation, which contributed to his doctoral degree, focused on radiation effects in microprocessors running Linux, showcasing his deep expertise in the field. However, his path to completing the Ph.D. was not without obstacles. He faced unique challenges in graduate school, often feeling out of place among much younger peers. To maintain motivation throughout his extensive academic journey, which spanned over a decade, Corley adopted the philosophy of perseverance with a motto of “Don’t quit,” likening his experience to running a marathon.
This accomplishment represents Corley’s fifth degree overall. He received his master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which was sponsored by the Air Force Academy after teaching there for four and a half years. He also paved the way for family achievements in education; for instance, Corley studied computer programming at Austin Community College, graduating alongside his daughter in 2013, and even had three generations of Corleys attending the same community college simultaneously.
Despite his impressive academic credentials, Corley reflected on his inclination to delay his studies after the Vietnam War, acknowledging that the pressures of military service interfered with early educational pursuits. His decision to pursue a Ph.D. was strategic as it was local and convenient, further strengthened by the support he received from his family, especially his wife. During his studies, he expressed gratitude for the assistance and mentorship of his advisor, Dr. Earl Swartzlander.
The spring commencement ceremony took place at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, where Chuck Corley celebrated his accomplishments along with thousands of fellow graduates. The event featured a notable address by renowned screenwriter and director Taylor Sheridan. Graduates were encouraged to register for seating, and there were special free parking arrangements made for attendees. The ceremonial proceedings concluded with a traditional fireworks display.
In the aftermath of his graduation, Corley is looking forward to tackling personal home projects and may consider reentering the teaching field. His enthusiasm goes beyond academia as he identified with the UT Austin community, expressing his support for the university’s successful women’s volleyball team as a Longhorn fan.
Chuck Corley’s graduation not only exemplifies individual achievement but also serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of lifelong education and resilience in overcoming hurdles to fulfill academic aspirations.
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Additional Resources
- Record Patriot
- Wikipedia: Lifelong Learning
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: University of Texas at Austin
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doctor of Philosophy
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: UT Austin graduation 2025
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