Chicago Nurse To Become Rush University's Second Oldest Grad
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Commencement is Thursday for Rush University, whose oldest graduate this year is a 71-year old woman.
"I still think of myself as being a lot younger than I am," said Ingrid Forsberg, who earned her master's degree in nursing practice in 1978.
She has been a nurse practitioner since then; and two years ago, at age 69, she decided she wanted a doctorate.
"Most people were positive. Some wondered if I could make it," she said.
Age never played a role in her decision.
"I didn't think a lot about it ahead of time; and then, it was like an inspiration. I just said, 'Well, Ingrid, go for it now. It's good,' and I was in the mood to learn something new," she said.
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Forsberg will become Rush University's second oldest graduate. In 2003, 74-year-old Lois Maschio also got a doctorate from the nursing school.
Rush University said half of the students in its nurse practitioner doctorate program are in their 20s and 30s. The other half are in their 40s and 50s.
Forsberg will work as a nurse practitioner at Rush's Lincoln Park facility. She said she has no plans to retire.
