Retiree, 69, graduates from NJ college for the second time 44 years later

Thomas Scalora, 69, and his son Dylan at William Paterson University graduation on Wednesday.
Thomas Scalora, 69, and his son Dylan at William Paterson University graduation on Wednesday. Photo credit Thomas Scalora

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Thomas Scalora, 69, graduated from William Paterson University 44 years ago. Wednesday, he did it again.

When he first graduated college in 1978, Scalora was relieved to be done working night shifts while studying chemistry. This time, having earned a degree in music, things are different.

“There’s not a sense of relief, there’s a sense of excitement,” he told WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell. “What can I do now? What’s my next chapter?”

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Scalora spent his career as a pharmaceutical executive and retired in 2015. He now hopes to volunteer as a music teacher.

“Although I have a lot of hobbies, my love of music is something that I’ve always wanted to explore more deeply,” said Scalora.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Thomas Scalora