105-year-old goes to college for a day

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - It's nearing the end of the semester at Virginia Wesleyan College , but that's not stopping one student from showing up to class.

105-year-old Florence Walner, who is young at heart, never got a chance to go to college; that was until she stepped onto the Virginia Wesleyan campus. A program at Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach, where Walner lives, helps to make wishes come true for its residents.

"It's going to be different," Walner said. "I'm going to college. I didn't have a chance when I was younger, but now I do."

To put Walner's age in perspective, the centenarian was born almost 60 years before Virginia Wesleyan ever opened its doors. She was born in 1904, a year after the Wright brothers made their first flight, eight years before the Titanic sank, decades before the television was invented.

"I'm glad you are here," Assistant Professor of English Dr. Rebecca Hooker said to Walner. After meeting her professor the first class began: English, a class that is a lot to take in for any student.

"It didn't phase me at all," Walner said.

Armed with the tools of knowledge, the day rolled on.

"I think she had a great time and she looked really happy," said student Kimberly Berger.

"I'm so happy we were able to make her dream come true," Dr. Hooker added. "It was really a privilege."

College President Billy Greer was also glad to welcome Walner to campus.

"I wish I could turn you loose on all of our students and have you talk to them," he said. "I bet you could tell them a few things."

Later, the day ends, and a life-long wish is fulfilled.

"It's beautiful," Walner added. "It's beautiful to look at."

Walner is the oldest resident at Beth Sholom Village. She will turn 106 in August.