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Marie Fowler, 83, becomes Howard University's oldest doctoral graduate

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Good morning, I'm Michel Martin. Marie Fowler's father didn't learn to read or write until his children were old enough to teach him. That's just one reason, she says, he always pushed his kids to learn. She took that lesson to heart, although it took a while. This weekend, she earned her doctoral degree in ministry from Howard University at 83 years old. She already has her bachelor's and two masters, and she wasn't sure that at her age she could manage the work. She stayed the course, though. Howard says she's now their oldest graduate.

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.