103-year-old receives honorary doctorate from University of Nebraska-Lincoln [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (UNL) – A Husker whose academic path was diverted into a lifetime of service by the upheaval of World War II is being celebrated by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Lincoln’s Marion (Patton) Larmon — who is 103 years old and attended the University of Nebraska from 1939 to 1941 — received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the university’s graduate and professional commencement Dec. 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

“This is an unexpected honor, that’s for sure,” Marion said. “I really do appreciate it. Completing my degree is one thing I’ve always wished I had accomplished. We are — and always will be — a Husker family.”

In fall 1941, Marion was in her third year at Nebraska U and well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree focused on music.

She lived at home to save money, but the Lincoln High School graduate was …