78-year-old woman gets degree from U of M after nearly 50-year pursuit

Monday, nearly 50 years after starting her pursuit of a college degree, a 78-year-old woman finally received her degree from the University of Minnesota.

Kay Lacher enrolled in college courses at North Hennepin Community College in 1973 before transferring to the U of M’s business school. However, in 1980, just five credits short of her degree, she dropped out.

“My sons needed me,” Lacher told the school. “I really needed to be home with them, so I dropped out to be with them.”

She’s worked for the U.S. Olympic Committee and other organizations, and also compiled a book written by her father, but there was always one thing she still wanted to do: finish her college degree.

After starting back up during the pandemic, Lacher finally got her degree on Monday afternoon when she participated in the U of M Carlson School’s commencement ceremony.

“I feel a real sense of pride,” she said.