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She’s Living The Dream
She†s Living The Dream
As a result of the efforts of three alumni, 105-year-old Florence Walner goes to college for the day at Virginia Wesleyan.
By Megan Z. Shearin |Â Â April 27, 2010
105-year-old Florence Walner from Virginia Beach is living the dream.
She never had a chance to go to college, but as a result of the efforts of three alumni (who also happen to be siblings) Walner†s lifelong dream was fulfilled on Friday at Virginia Wesleyan.
Her journey begins with Allison Whiteman †00, activities director at Beth Sholom Village, a senior community where Walner is the oldest resident. Whiteman oversees a program through Second Wind Dreams that grants residents their wishes.
†When I saw Florence†s wish to go to college for the day, I knew just who to call,†said Whiteman.
That would be her younger sister, Jenny Hechtkopf †02, who works in the Admissions Office at Virginia Wesleyan. Jenny loved the idea and felt Virginia Wesleyan†s small, intimate campus with friendly faculty, staff and students would be the perfect setting for Walner.
†This is a privilege to make her dream come true,†said Dr. Rebecca Hooker, assistant professor of English. Walner, who aspired to go college and major in English, participated in Hooker†s Diversity in American Literature class.
After class, Walner ate lunch in the Boyd Dining Hall and conversed with students. She was also greeted by College President Dr. Billy Greer.
†I†m sure Florence could tell our students a few things,†said Greer. And the students agreed. Most couldn†t believe that she was born eight years before the Titanic sank â€" a tragedy in American history that was made famous to the millennial generation with the 1997 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
During a tour of the Jane P. Batten Student Center, Walner was amazed at the 36-foot rock climbing wall, the 4,800-square-foot fitness room, swimming pool and aquarium. She met several professors and recognized the statue of John Wesley, founder of Methodism.
†It†s all beautiful,†said Walner. †Just beautiful.†Â †I'm going to college. I didn't have a chance when I was younger, but now I do.†â€" Florence Walner
Big brother Jason Marks †98, reporter with WAVY-TV/Fox 43 News covered Walner†s dream come true. The story gave him the chance to collaborate with his sisters and reconnect with his alma matter. >>View the news clip
†We all have different professions,†said Marks. †They don†t intertwine, and it†s nice to work on this with them and get out to Virginia Wesleyan College.â€
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