John H., born 1907

Imagine being born 1907, raised on a farm in New Jersey, and because of family needs having to drop out of elementary school to help out? The family opens a meat & fish market and you become the one who does the accounting and business, among other life experiences, until you retire.

This is the story of John H., a skilled business manager, accountant, organist, photographer, and World War II Veteran, who never got a chance to go to high school. However, John taught himself accounting and took many correspondence courses to manage the family finances. He also managed and owned many properties, being a real estate manager and financer. One time the IRS conducted an audit of his books and after an extensive investigation the report was stamped "no changes, excellent records". He took great pride in his record keeping and financial independence and did not retire until age 83. For the last 8 years John has resided at an Assisted Living Facility in  Bedford, NH. His mind and spirit are still active, and he always dreamed of attending college.

John's friend Mary G. knew that receiving an honorary degree in accounting would mean the world to him, so she submitted this dream request to Ageless Dreamer. With the help of five University of New Hampshire students, Coleman Connolly, Tom Loosigian, Michael McKee, Jason Norton, and Michelle Pirro from the Whittemore School of business, John's academic dream became a reality. On December 13, 2008, John was included as an honorary member of the Entrepreneurial Venture Creation Class of 2009 and presented with a class membership certificate. A special note: John will celebrate his 102nd birthday on January 16, 2009.

Jason Norton and John H.
 

Thomas Loosigian, Michelle Pirro, Michael McKee, Coleman Connolly,
Jason Norton, Laurie Widmark, Mary G. and John H.
 
Celebration Cake