The Commencement ceremony was held at Mount Holyoke College on Sunday.

Among the 594 graduates, was one Springfield native who has quite a story.

Luora Webb gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "its never too late."

The 82-year old received her degree on Sunday in African American and African studies.

From studying the leaders and pioneers who have made great strides in civil rights, Lorna's life has its own benchmarks as an African American woman.

Webb worked for 42-years in the Springfield public school system and was the first African American to be hired in the clerical department.

Today she is the oldest African American to graduate from Mount Holyoke college.

Born in 1927 and graduating from the class of 2009, Lorna says her classmates sometimes gave her a double take.

"At first they were kind of shy, because they thought I would come in as miss know it-all, but I said no I am here to learn just like you, so just think of me as another student, and they did, they embraced me"

The crowd and her classmates certainly embraced her.

The entire stadium roared when Lorna received her diploma.

Webb has one more accomplishment she can add her list.
Mayor Sarno called and told her Springfield has named a day after her.

"He called and said May 24th, 2009 is Luora Webb day, wow, that really put the icing on the cake!", said Webb.