David L. Kelly Jr. was one class shy of earning a Carolina undergraduate degree in spring 1955. He hoped to attend medical school. UNC’s School of Medicine was admitting qualified students through an accelerated program, so he applied.
He was accepted and became an accomplished neurosurgeon.
Now 90, Kelly ’59 (MD) sometimes wondered about finishing his bachelor’s degree. “I was the only person in my medical school class who didn’t have the degree. Quite frankly, I wanted to be an alumnus of the University of North Carolina,” he said. He was even willing to attend class on campus.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts heard about Kelly’s long-held wish and asked Lauren DiGrazia, associate provost and University registrar, to look into fulfilling that wish. Her staff determined Kelly’s academic record matched 1955 requirements for a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.
His wish has been granted.
On Dec. 14, Kelly will put on a Carolina Blue cap and gown, then join younger graduates at Winter Commencement. His diploma will read “Class of 1955.”
Read more about Dr. Kelly’s story.