82-year-old veteran becomes oldest graduate at Valencia College this year

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - An 82-year-old U.S. Army veteran has become the oldest graduate from Valencia College this year, the college announced Thursday. 

Paul Grizelle-Reid completed coursework for an Associate in Arts degree this summer. He is now working toward a bachelor’s degree in English literature at the University of Central Florida, according to Valencia College. 

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Paul Grizzelle-Reid, 82, became the oldest graduate at Valencia College in 2025. (Courtesy: Valencia College)

Grizzelle-Reid traveled the world as a volunteer during his retirement, but he moved to Poinciana a few years ago to help his brother, who had Parkinson’s disease. After moving to the area, Grizzelle-Reid decided to take a Spanish class at Valencia College, which led to his desire to earn his associate degree. 

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According to Valencia College, Grizelle-Reid took nearly all of his classes in person at the school’s Poinciana campus, where he connected with classmates and his professors. He even traveled to Ireland with his fellow students. 

Grizzelle-Reid and fellow students were honored at Valencia’s commencement ceremonies on Wednesday.  He’s now enjoying his commute to UCF with Valencia classmate and friend, Milan Jacobs, the school said. 

Valencia College has eight campuses in Central Florida, including in downtown Orlando, Lake Nona, Kissimmee and Winter Park.