Valencia College is celebrating a remarkable milestone as 82-year-old Paul Grizelle-Reid proudly graduates as the college’s oldest member of the Class of 2025. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning—an example that education has no age limit.
A U.S. Army veteran, Grizelle-Reid spent much of his retirement traveling the world as a volunteer, giving his time and talents to communities across the globe. But several years ago, life led him to Poinciana, where he moved to help care for his brother living with Parkinson’s disease. Looking for something new to challenge his mind and spirit, he decided to enroll in a Spanish class at Valencia College’s Poinciana Campus.
That single class sparked something powerful.
Paul soon found himself fully immersed in college life—captivated by the coursework, encouraged by his professors, and energized by his much younger classmates. He took nearly all of his classes in person, embracing the classroom experience and even joining fellow students on a group trip to Ireland.
What began as a curiosity evolved into a mission.
This summer, Grizelle-Reid completed all his coursework and earned his Associate in Arts degree from Valencia College, marking an extraordinary achievement that has inspired both faculty and students.
But Paul isn’t stopping there.
He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English literature at the University of Central Florida, continuing his educational adventure with enthusiasm—right down to enjoying the daily commute to the UCF campus.
Valencia College officials celebrated him this week, sharing his story as a reminder of what dedication, compassion, and a desire to grow can build at any stage of life.
Grizelle-Reid’s journey is a powerful testament to the belief that education is not bound by age, and that new chapters can begin at any time—for anyone willing to turn the page.
