Against All Odds: Vietnam Vet, 80, Earns College Degree from SC HBCU

Linwood Riddick didn’t choose South Carolina State University for a career; he sought enlightenment, purpose, and a tribute to a profound legacy. This month, as he nears his 80th birthday, the Vietnam veteran and long-time SC State Concert Choir member earned his bachelor’s degree in music industry. Riddick's unconventional path was shaped by personal conviction. “While walking through campus, I overheard men discussing the Orangeburg Massacre,” he recalled, prompting him to honor the three unarmed Black students killed in 1968. Riddick aims to inspire others: “People will see me and hopefully understand my purpose.” His active engagement with the campus life and commitment to mentorship highlights his desire for intergenerational connections. Riddick asserts, “If I can do it, you can too.”