Linwood Riddick served in Vietnam, ran a business, and sang at commencements. At age 79, he stepped off the risers and onto the graduation stage.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — When Linwood Riddick crossed the stage and got his diploma at South Carolina State University on Friday, he’d already done more in life than many students, faculty and staff — even before ever setting foot on the campus.
But that spirit to keep moving, to keep doing, and to leave a mark on the university pushed him to that moment when he received his degree.
And judging from the applause described by the university as he took the stage, his accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed.
S.C. State said Riddick was born in Virginia, served in Vietnam, and ran his own business for 30 years before retiring at 72. But another journey was ahead.
Riddick told the university that he was passing through the college once when he heard others talking about the Orangeburg Massacre in 1968, when a police shooting left three unarmed victims dead on the campus.
“I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to have to come here, put my name on this institutional wall because of the sacrifice of these three men,'” he told the university in a recent interview.
Since starting this journey, the University said Riddick had become a well-known figure, singing in the choir and performing in concerts. He’s even performed at other commencements honoring graduates. On Friday, those tables were turned, as he was now the one to be honored.
The university said President Alexander Conyers paused the ceremony when Riddick stepped away from the choir riser. He then told the crowd of graduates and families just what kind of impact Riddick had on the campus community.
“Mr. Riddick, you inspire us all,” he said.
In a recent interview, Riddick said he hoped to serve as a mentor to younger students and as living proof to those considering a higher education later in life that “It’s not impossible if you try.”
Riddick received his bachelor’s degree in music industry on Friday. On Monday, he’ll celebrate his 80th birthday.
