77-year-old Vietnam veteran earns master’s degree from ASU

PHOENIX — While many people his age are settled into retirement, 77-year-old Wayne Johnson is about to graduate from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in international affairs.

The Vietnam veteran will walk across the stage Friday night at ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies commencement ceremony.

The achievement comes 52 years after Johnson graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing.

Johnson completed his degree online through the International Affairs and Leadership program.

Why did Vietnam veteran pursue master’s degree at ASU?

He said a big reason why he chose to pursue the degree was learning through an ASU commercial that the program instructors were all experienced ambassadors and flag officers.

“These are people that have been there, walked the ground, done that, and I’d like to learn from their experience,” he said.

Johnson received his bachelor’s degree in 1973 after serving in the Army.

He said it was easy for him to return to school despite the gap, with instructors testing his academic skills regardless of his age.

“One of the fun things about the course was you could interact with the generals and the ambassadors. If you disagreed with them, that was fine, but they you better go do your homework and have a logical response,” he said.

Johnson’s interest in the subject was sparked by his upbringing, including his father’s military service.

“He and I served back-to-back tours in Vietnam,” he explained. “He was deputy chief of staff 13th Air Force. I got to meet a lot of people, a lot of four-star generals, and a lot of high government officials as I was growing up. And you know you’re a product of your environment.”

Johnson’s next plans include going on vacation with his wife and writing a book about his family’s history. But he said he’s waiting for the next opportunity to present itself.

“I’m just going to see what happens,” he said. “They have awakened a desire in me to do more. … As other opportunities present themselves, we’ll take it take advantage of them.”

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