Vietnam veteran Craig Pergerson, 78, walked across the stage Saturday to graduate from App State with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in marketing.
“This has bugged me for decades — that I did not finish college,” said Pergerson. “It was always in the back of my mind. Once you retire, you can only work around the house and yard so much. My wife finally said ‘stop talking about college and go do it.’ So I did.”
Pergerson began his journey in 1963 at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk in order to get his pilot’s license — which required a college degree — but was told he was colorblind, which ended that dream at the time. He transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1966, he received his draft notice for the Vietnam War and he served with the U.S. Army Security Agency.
After serving, Pergerson began his 42-year career in 1972. He sold life insurance before becoming the owner of his own financial planning business. He retired in 2014.
With his dream of a college education now complete, Pergerson plans to spend time with his wife of 57 years, as well as his children and grandchildren. He also plans to volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, headquartered in Boone.
Pergerson shared some words of encouragement for those who are still working toward their degrees: “Winston Churchill — during the Second World War — his favorite saying was ‘never, never, never give up.’ I adopted that decades ago,” said Pergerson. “If you think you’re going to get through college without having problems … it’s going to happen. Just realize that, and stay focused on what your purpose is.”
Read more about 2023 graduates: Over 3,600 App State graduates earn degrees at Spring 2023 Commencement
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By J. Todd Coates
Craig Pergerson outside Peacock Hall
Photo by Chase Reynolds