With a 60-year marriage to the love of his life, three kids and seven grandchildren, Victor Lyman of Waterford describes himself as a “proud and blessed individual.” Over the years, he has provided for his family and served his country.
Early in his career, Lyman served as a United States Marine during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. He returned home and began work at Squirt as a sales delivery driver. He continued to work for several decades in the beverage industry, eventually becoming sales manager for Buckler Beverage Company, the parent company of the Vernors Distribution Company in Flint, Michigan.
When a series of unforeseen circumstances affected the company, Lyman was laid off.
A new chapter begins at OCC
With no work opportunities on the horizon, Lyman, the second of nine children, embarked on something only one other sibling in his family did. He pursued higher education.
“Due to my GI Bill benefits I was able to receive funding to enroll at Oakland Community College in 1984,” he recalls. “I was interested in embarking on a new career in restaurant management and took food management courses at OCC through 1987 to pursue an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
New job opportunity derails degree
With just one class shy of completing his degree, a new job opportunity arose with the Coca-Cola Company. Lyman had to make a very difficult decision.
“It was always my dream to get a college degree, but I had to choose between feeding my family and continuing school. I only had one class left to finish my degree, but it was offered in the afternoon. That time conflicted with the new hours in my job with Coca-Cola, so I did not finish my degree.”
Nearly 20 years later, Lyman retired from Coca-Cola as a warehouse supervisor. But his desire to complete the degree never left him.
Chance encounter at Veterans Fair puts college dream back on track
In January 2024, Lyman spoke with a representative from MichiganWorks! at a Veteran Fair. He learned he could finish what he started 40 years ago: obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts Food Service Management.
“I found out that I needed to complete a physical education class to graduate. With my military service, that requirement was met, and all my requirements were completed to obtain my degree,” he said.
Forty-year dream accomplished atOCC’s 2024 Commencement
On the verge of his 80th birthday, Lyman has achieved a significant milestone and personal dream. He emphasizes it’s never too late to make your college dream come true.
“I couldn’t be happier to walk down the aisle with my cap and gown complete with my Veteran graduation cord,” he said. “This is something I always wanted and at almost 80 years of age, I achieved it.”
OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano expressed admiration for Victor Lyman's persistence and dedication.
"Victor Lyman's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and pursuit of one's dreams. His determination to obtain his degree after 40 years is truly inspiring,” he said. “Despite the challenges life threw at him, Victor never gave up on his goal. We are so proud to have him as a member of our OCC community and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement!"
Lyman joins the nearly 1,900 graduates at OCC’s Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18. To learn more about Veteran Services at OCC, visit oaklandcc.edu/finaid/va-benefits
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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