'I'm not done yet': 87-year-old Ontario grandmother shatters barriers, graduates with honours degree from York University

Markham resident Hortense Anglin says she refuses to let age be a barrier to achieving her academic goals, while inspiring others along the way

85-year-old Hortense Anglin awarded her diploma for completion of Humanities Religious Studies Program. (Image courtesy: York University)

An Ontario grandmother crossed the stage at York University last month to thunderous applause, becoming the oldest person to graduate from the institution with an honours degree.

Markham resident Hortense Anglin, 87, proudly received her Honours Bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the same university her granddaughter attended.

"Time is of the essence. I don't know how many days I've been given by my creator," Anglin told Yahoo News Canada. "I never thought I would feel this euphoria and overwhelming gratitude for another opportunity to walk the academic route."

Anglin recalled the moment her name and age were called at convocation and the surprised reaction that rippled across the auditorium.

"That just got the audience going," she said with a chuckle.

Anglin graduated from high school in Jamaica more than half a century ago and at 40, immigrated to Canada alongside her husband. She says she planned to continue her education years prior, but shelved her plans when her husband of 52 years fell ill. After his passing in 2014, she learned to live independently before pursuing her path toward higher education.

"There was always this insatiable thirst to learn something else, and the older I got, the more I thought 'yes, I can do this,'" said Angelin.

The Markham resident credits her younger sister’s discovery of a brochure for York University Bridging Program for Women at a library, which ultimately inspired her to join. According to the institution, academic bridging courses provide a starting-point for women who want to upgrade their writing and speaking skills and explore the possibility of university study and "make the seemingly impossible, possible."

"The bridging program opened this whole world of knowledge to me and I grabbed it with both hands," she said.

Upon completing the bridging program, Anglin decided to pursue a bachelors degree in Religious Studies.

Anglin was settling into her journey of higher learning when, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic threw everything into disarray.

“Technology is not my strong suit,” Anglin said, reflecting on the shift from in-class to remote learning. “I had no choice; the lessons were posted online, and I had to find them.

I had to go into Zoom, and I didn’t even know what Zoom was.Hortense Anglin

“I had to do this right away — that was a journey in itself. First, I had to learn how to turn on the computer,” Anglin added, with a laugh.

She credits her determination for keeping her going, along with the support of her classmates, discussion boards and the faculty’s tech team, who helped her address any hiccups along the way.

Angelin says 'nuggets' she picked up in her gender and women's studies courses are what led her to enrol in York's Religious Studies degree.

"I had to find out for myself what was behind all these other religions," said Angelin. "We are all human beings on a path to peace, comfort, and perhaps a spiritual way of being. Religious studies just called my name."

In 2022, Anglin received her Bachelor of Arts at age 85. On Oct. 17, 2024, she crossed the stage once again to a standing ovation, receiving her honours degree in religious studies.

Thousands of students were celebrated at York University’s in-person fall convocation this year. But one graduate received special recognition. (Courtesy: York University)
Thousands of students were celebrated at York University’s in-person fall convocation this year. But one graduate received special recognition. (Courtesy: York University)

Despite her age, Anglin says she may not be done with education just yet.

“Each time I go downstairs and see my desktop, I tell myself, ‘Let me see what graduate studies are currently enrolling,’” said Anglin. “You know, it’s percolating in the back of my mind, so I’m not saying no.”

In the meantime, Anglin says she hopes to fill her home with music and plans to pursue piano lessons.

As for those who feel their window of opportunity has passed due to age, Anglin has a simple message: “Banish the limitations, banish the barriers, you can do it.”