At the age of 90, Wally Taibleson made history by becoming the oldest post-graduate in the 23-campus California State University system. Taibleson, a California State University San Marcos student, earned a Masters of Arts in Education late last month.

"He is an inspiration to all of our students and a positive reminder that it's never too late to follow your dreams. You can be impacted by knowledge, even well into your 90s," said Margaret Lutz Chantung, CSUSM public information officer.

Overall, he received four degrees - bachelor's degree in history and a Master's in literature, writing studies and history.

"Anytime you can devote to improving your mind and increasing your learning is valuable for you as well as those you associate with," said Taibleson. "It keeps you a lot younger than you would be."

After completing his high school, Taibleson secured an accounting job, married his long-time girlfriend, Clare, became a certified public accountant and fathered four kids. He was named the CFO and vice chairman of the board of National Can Corp. in Chicago before retiring in 1984. He then packed his bags and traveled the world.

After his son, Jim, suggested that he complete his higher education, Taibleson began his college career at 70, and earned his first bachelor's degree in 2002.

"You're never too old to go to college. I'm an example," Taibleson said.

Jim, an adjunct associate professor at New York University, attended his dad's big graduation ceremony.

"He's my best friend. It's fantastic, inspiring and humbling to call him my father," Jim said. "He's a living, breathing rebuttal to anyone who thinks they can't go back to school or achieve their goals."

Most probably, this will be the last time he will be studying to complete a degree as he suffers from muscular degeneration and his ability to read has become poor. He wears glasses and uses a magnifying headpiece, or sometimes holds a magnifying glass.

"It's difficult to read anything, but I force myself," said Taibleson.

He now wants to be a mentor to others, raising awareness on the importance of education.