100-year-old Calgary man gets degree at SAIT
At age 6, he watched the cornerstone laid for what is now Heritage Hall.
In 1933, he enrolled as a student. In 1952 he took a job as an instructor in the electrical department, where he worked for 28 years.
Now, at the age of 100 (and three months), Clarence Hollingworth has been recognized with an honourary bachelor of science degree at what the young bucks now call SAIT.
The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (PITA) didn't become known as SAIT until 1960, eight years after Hollingworth started teaching there.
"First saw anything about SAIT when they laid the cornerstone for the Heritage building, it wasn't the Heritage building then, there was nothing there. There weren't even houses around," said Hollingworth.
Life and humour
He worked as a journeyman electrician, spending most of his life in Calgary, with a stint in the Navy during the Second World War and three years living and working in California.
From the names of grade-school teachers and principals, Hollingworth maintains a remarkable memory of his life — including being one of the first students at Western Canada High School — not to mention a healthy sense of humour.
"The truth is, old age is definitely not for sissies," he told the crowd gathered at Friday's graduation ceremony.
"I need all the help I can get. Even crossing the street in Calgary helps old people to remain young, if they make it."
SAIT, which was originally housed in the Colonel James Walker School, is celebrating its 100th anniversary next year and is looking forward to having Hollingworth there as part of the festivities.
