Jaehwa Bernardo

Roberto Solis graduates from the journalism program of the University of Santo Tomas. Photo courtesy of The Flame

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Roberto Solis, 64, finishes college after 4 decades

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749609273377SOLIS.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Roberto Solis graduates from the journalism program of the University of Santo Tomas. Photos courtesy of The Flame"/>Roberto Solis graduates from the journalism program of the University of Santo Tomas. Photos courtesy of The Flame</div>MANILA — After pausing his studies for more than four decades, retired fashion industry professional Roberto Solis finally earned his journalism degree.Solis, 64, first enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1979, initially taking general education before his career in fashion and entertainment took him abroad. For years, he worked with global brands under the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group, traveling extensively across Europe, America, and Asia. Despite his success, the dream of finishing his degree remained.“Incredibly fulfilled ako. Deeply grateful upon completing my college degree after four decades or more,” said the recently graduated Solis in an interview with ABS-CBN News.“It’s both a personal victory and a reminder na hindi pala late to pursue your unfinished dreams,” he added.Returning to UST in 2023, Solis faced challenges, including retaking a solo thesis from 40 years ago. Adapting to modern education systems was another hurdle. He shared that on his first day back in class, while he brought a notebook and pen, his younger classmates worked on iPads. But instead of letting the generational gap discourage him, he used it as an opportunity to learn, asking students to guide him in navigating technological advancements.Roberto always told his classmates, “I will tell you, I will share with you my experiences but you have to teach me how to do this and do that, technologically wise.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749609297895SOLIS2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>Beyond academics, he embraced campus life, forming friendships with students, professors and even security guards. His presence sometimes led to mistaken identity, with classmates initially thinking he was a professor rather than a student.“The journey wasn&#x27;t easy, but every challenge made its achievement more meaningful, and it&#x27;s a moment I&#x27;ll always treasure,” Solis said.With Solis graduating from college, he hopes to inspire fellow senior citizens to continue their education.“I hope my journey inspires others, especially senior citizens, to continue their education. Kahit isa man lang ang makabalik sa eskwela, that would already be a fulfillment for me,” he said.Now that he has completed his degree, Solis wants to let the younger generation pursue their love for journalism. He aspires to explore meaningful work in fashion and cultural studies, mentor young creatives, and continue traveling.“I will let the young ones that are more capable and also aggressive when it comes to creating news or sharing ideas about the society, sa mga journalistic words. Ang goal ko is to explore meaningful work, especially in the areas that continue my background in fashion and also academic interests like cultural studies, maybe, or maybe do a small business, but I&#x27;m also open to mentoring younger creatives.”For graduating students, he leaves a message of encouragement: “Work on your dreams, be passionate, and don’t be discouraged by the obstacles ahead. The real taste of success only comes when you push through life’s challenges.”

After pausing his studies for more than four decades, retired fashion industry professional Roberto Solis finally earned his journalism degree.

After pausing his studies for more than four decades, retired fashion industry professional Roberto Solis finally earned his journalism degree.

Roberto Solis, 64, finishes college after 4 decades

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Roberto Solis, 64, finishes college after 4 decades

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Franchette Noreen Castro

Published June 11, 2025 10:45 AM PHT

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