By Suzy Alstrin
At 87 years old, Harvey Cash (RU-2024) thought his dreams of earning a college degree were long behind him—until an unforgettable surprise proved it’s never too late to achieve a lifelong goal. On November 21st, Reinhardt University President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D., and Provost John Miles, Ph.D., formally presented Cash with an Associate of Arts degree.
Cash served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, including in Vietnam, and took some college classes in various locations where he was stationed. It wasn’t until retiring from active duty that Cash was able to attend Reinhardt College full-time. However, before graduation in 1978, he transferred to a seminary school in Marietta. He became a pastor and opened a plant nursery, but wished he had received his degree from Reinhardt.
This Fall, Cash’s wife of 60 years, Shirley, secretly contacted the University’s registrar’s office. Registrar Ariana Neighbors determined he had earned enough credits for an associate’s degree. Reinhardt’s board of trustees reviewed the recommendation from Neighbors and Provost John Miles and approved the degree conferral.
At a ceremony in the President’s Office, Cash received his diploma. He beamed with pride and exclaimed, “When I look back, the opportunity to attend Reinhardt and the professors I met opened many doors for me. To come here today is a blessing. This degree is a godsend. Providence caused all things to work together for our good and God’s glory.”
With four generations of family excitedly applauding, Cash also received an Eagle’s Mile medal from Alumni Director Raynah Roberts as she welcomed him into the alumni association.
