A Calgary senior heads back to university and is our CTV Calgary Inspiring Albertan.
Neal Collins is 86-years-old and is a life long learner.
In fact, he has been going to university for decades, first in Edmonton in 1943, then again in 1960.
"My first degree was in arts and science, majoring in math and physics," said Collins.
Collins worked as a petroleum engineer for nearly 40 years and in order to advance in the industry he returned to school, earning a degree in petroleum engineering.
He didn't stop there and continued on to earn his Masters Degree.
When Collins retired in 1987, he wanted to return to the classroom to study philosophy. "I'm interested in generally, in world affairs, and so I was interested in getting the humanitarian perspective."
Collins says he switched gears in 1990 when he learned of a senior's program that would pay his fees.
After that, he went to university just for the love of learning.
"That's what we want in a classroom, someone who's there for the sheer love of knowledge, not someone who's there to get a grade or get a job," said Dr. Ann Levey, Philosophy Professor.
Professor Levey says having Collins in the classroom was inspiring to the younger students.
"If we had a silent classroom or a seminar that nobody was really talking you could always count on Neal to break the ice. And once someone is willing to talk about stuff, put themselves out there other people are too," said Levey.
Collins learned last year that he had completed enough courses to qualify for two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in philosophy and one in communications.
In November, he was awarded both degrees at convocation.
Collins says he'd like to see more of his peers return to the classroom.
"Maybe if more of the seniors were doing that they'd leave room in the workforce for the younger people when they get out," said Collins.
For proving that you're never too old to learn, Neal Collins is this week's Inspiring Albertan.
