When Jeff Savage received his welding certificate during LBW Community College’s commencement exercises last night, he proved a point.

“I wanted to show my kids it’s never too late to get your education, no matter how old you are,” he said.

For the Goshen resident, it was his first time to participate in a graduation. He dropped out of high school, but earned a GED. He didn’t plan to “walk” at LBW, but his wife insisted.

“She really wanted me to do this,” Savage said.

Savage previously worked as supervisor of a trucking company, but has set a goal of owning his own welding business. The father of three – ages 27, 17 and 14 – said two of his children didn’t get to attend graduation last night.

“My two youngest were in a band competition in Panama City,” he said. “I couldn’t ask them not to do that, so we’ll meet afterward and celebrate,” he said.

Savage was among the approximately 300 people who completed degrees at LBW. Commencement exercises included the recognition of Ward Thigpen of Greenville as outstanding alumnus, and a commencement address by Chrissie Duffy, executive director of the Andalusia Area Chamber or Commerce.