January 29, 2026
At 82, Kenneth Horstman ’25TCB, returned to St. John’s University to complete the bachelor’s degree he first began more than 60 years ago—an academic journey paused by the demands of supporting a growing family. His unprecedented return was sparked not out of necessity or professional development, but by reflection—proving the power of determination and purpose.
His long academic journey dates back to 1963, when, as a junior at La Salle University, he married his sweetheart, Patricia. “As God’s plan would have it, we became pregnant with twins,” he shared. “The financial responsibilities that went along with that blessing necessitated my leaving La Salle and returning to Brooklyn to be with my wife and newly expanded family.”
In New York, he secured a job at Chase Manhattan Bank and transferred his La Salle credits to St. John’s University, where he attended the Brooklyn campus at night. On weekends, he worked as a truck dispatcher to help make ends meet for his wife and twin daughters.
“The business school (now, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business) was conveniently located in downtown Brooklyn—only a few subway stations away from my job at Chase in lower Manhattan,” he explained. “It was just a short ride home after school late at night.”
However, after two years of juggling two jobs while attending St. John’s—and welcoming two more children into the family—he ultimately had to step away from his accounting studies, as his schedule and finances were no longer sustainable.
Over the next five decades, Mr. Horstman built a long and steady career spanning finance, construction, real estate development, and retail operations, quickly advancing through senior roles. He retired in 2015 and moved to Manchester, NJ, so he and his wife could be closer to their family, which now includes 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Throughout the years, he attended numerous college graduations honoring the achievements of both his children and grandchildren, and it was at one such celebration that he had an epiphany. “I was sitting in the bleachers at a hooding ceremony in Rhode Island, and I suddenly relived a deep regret and cavity in my own life,” he explained. “I had never completed my quest for a college degree.”
At 82—more than 60 years since leaving St. John’s—he wrote the University with a recap of his academic and work experiences in the hope of finding a path to filling this gap in his résumé. That message found its way to the desk of Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean, and Joseph H. and Maria C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair, at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
Dr. Nowak reviewed his transcript and offered him a path to navigate to complete his degree. “Kenneth’s story is truly inspirational,” said Dr. Novak. “Watching him return to the classroom, reorient himself to college life, and successfully complete the final course required for his undergraduate degree has been deeply meaningful to me. His determination and perseverance are a powerful reminder that it is never too late to finish what you started.”
While Mr. Horstman would have preferred to return to in-person classes at the college, a commute of more than two hours from central New Jersey made it necessary for him to attend class online.
“Although that might sound like the easier avenue, it was not necessarily the case for an octogenarian—at least, not for this 82-year-old,” he said. “I am certain that the IT teams had to work over and above the norm to guide and direct me during this technical journey.”
He continued, “The entire administration—the dean’s office, Office of the Provost, St. John’s Information Technology (IT) Service Desk, and IT team—virtually held my hand while I enrolled in my class.”
Mr. Horstman admits that completing the course Principles of Risk Management was not an easy journey. “Much to my chagrin, it was a struggle to retain some of the course material—determination and prayer certainly helped,” he said. “I was also fortunate enough to have been blessed with an amazing professor, Basil I. Thompson Sr. In all my classroom experiences, I have never encountered a more patient and caring teacher.”
That respect was clearly mutual—and it wasn’t long before Mr. Horstman’s perseverance began to stand out beyond his own reflections, earning the admiration of the professor who helped guide him through the challenge. “Kenneth is an exceptional individual, and it astounded me that an 82-year-old would take on the huge challenge of completing a University-level course to achieve his degree,” said Mr. Thompson. “He did it with flying colors. He was a great contributor to the class dynamic, and it was my distinct honor and privilege to have him in my class.”
While he was more than 60 years older than most of his classmates, he praised them for their work ethic. “From my observation, college students work just as hard today as we did 60 years ago,” he said. “They just work differently—and with greater academic success.”
Despite the age gap, Mr. Horstman’s dedication and enthusiasm left a strong impression on everyone around him. “I hope Kenneth’s journey inspires others who may be only a few classes away from completing their degree,” Dr. Nowak added. “If Kenneth can achieve this at age 82, it is a testament to what is possible at any stage of life.”
When Mr. Horstman walks across the stage at Commencement this May to receive his diploma, it will mark the fulfillment of a journey more than six decades in the making. His path may be uncommon, but the lesson he offers resonates far beyond his own experience. “If an opportunity presents itself,” he said, “take full advantage and do not ruminate so much to have the door close, possibly forever.”