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Kelly recognizing BC3's oldest graduate

William “Don” Thomas

On the floor of Congress Wednesday morning, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, will recognize 80-year-old William “Don” Thomas, who will become Butler County Community College’s oldest graduate at the 7 p.m. commencement ceremony.

Thomas, a Saxonburg resident, is an Air Force veteran who will receive an associates degree in history. He graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1955 and took night classes from the University of Maryland while stationed in Nancy, France, with the 17th Squadron from 1956 to 1959.

Thomas enrolled at BC3 in 2010 and earned 41 credits to complete his degree. He has six children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Kelly’s speech, scheduled for 10 a.m., will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and will be available on C-SPAN.org.

Kelly’s speech will also be submitted into the Congressional Record, the official record of congressional proceedings and debates, and titled “Honoring William ‘Don’ Thomas — The Most Senior Graduate from Butler County Community College.”

Kelly’s office will provide Thomas with a copy of the statement.

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