At 90 years old, Liberty’s oldest graduate fulfills her dream — and much more

Liberty University is an institution where dreams come true, and 90-year-old graduate Lola-Joy Borella knows that as well as anybody. In receiving her Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics last week, she has now earned her fourth degree through Liberty University Online Programs.

“I began my education (as a child) in Maine, studying in a one-room schoolhouse, but I never forgot a special high school teacher who encouraged me to pursue my educational dreams. Because of her, the thought of furthering my education did not seem like an impossibility. I just took one step at a time,” Borella said.

After high school, Borella attended Morse School of Business in Connecticut, but she never completed her degree. She and her husband, Joseph, who served in the Marines, raised their daughter, Alycia, and Lola-Joy worked as a secretary and office manager for her entire career.

After she retired at 76 and moved to Lynchburg, Va., in 2009 to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Borella soon began taking online classes at Liberty. In 2014, she received her Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, followed by a Bachelor of Science in General Studies in 2018 and her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with Life Coaching and New Testament cognates in 2020.

“I had a lifelong dream of getting a college education, and I chose (Liberty Online) because as a retired senior, I was not comfortable sitting in class with young college students,” she said. “I am currently a widow, but I’m grateful that Liberty Online provides tuition assistance for military spouses, making it possible for me to continue my education.”

Although Borella was often the oldest student in her classes, she found that she enjoyed interacting with younger students.

“When I was 81, there was a student in one of my online classes who had graduated high school early and was only 18. She was so smart and encouraged me to believe that I could be successful. The fact that Liberty accepted me and that others in my classes were also older students made me feel that a college education could be mine. Even though I would have to work hard, I knew that there were a lot of people who had faith that I could be successful,” she said.

“I believe that desire is the most important factor, and that no matter your age, if you have the desire, you can succeed,” she added.

This summer, Borella plans to pursue a master’s degree in religion with an apologetics cognate.

“These classes will support my current master’s degree while providing additional Bible courses,” she said. “I think there must be others who need encouragement to not be afraid to pursue their goals. My relationship with the Lord has given me strength to help others who do not know Him, and my studies have given me the tools to speak knowledgeably about the hope Christ provides.”

At 90 years old, Borella doesn’t plan on slowing down in the pursuit of what is most important to her: her relationship with Christ.

“For me, being a Champion for Christ means learning as much as I can about Him so that I can continue to increase in faith and knowledge and be a bold witness to others.”