Brunel to validate oldest PhD student in the World | |
A 93-year-old former vicar and train enthusiast has become the oldest person in the world to gain a PhD.
Reverend Edgar Dowse, from Isleworth, west London, received the doctorate from the London School of Theology, whose degrees are validated by Brunel University.
The father-of-two, who does not own a computer and dictated his thesis, already has six other degrees. He also does not drive, and has become a familiar sight at the bus-stop outside the college.
The previous record was held by American Elizabeth Eichelbaum, who was 90 when she gained a PhD from the University of Tennessee in 2000, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Reverend Dowse - World's Oldest PhD
“After my wife, Ivy, died, in 1999, I felt the need for intense study,” Revd Dowse said. “As I’m 93, it was a slightly unusual occurrence,” he added. “I’m delighted that they came to this decision.”
When he is not indulging his avid interest in trains and railways, about which he has an extensive collection of models and videos, Rev Dowse enjoys reading Hebrew, Aramaic and the New Testament in Greek.
He gained his first degree from Durham University in 1935, aged 22, and was awarded his sixth in 1991. All have been in Biblical Studies or Theology. His BA from Cambridge took him 31 years to complete - a severe cash shortage meant it was not until 1972 that he finally received his First Class degree which he began in 1941.
London School of Theology principal Reverend Dr Derek Tidball said: "To gain a PhD at any age is a great achievement. To gain it at the age of 93 is remarkable. He has kept his mind active throughout retirement and has now successfully presented and defended his thesis. “
Professor Steve Hodkinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University said “Commitment, hard work and talent transcend age but when you get examples like this you really do believe it,” he said. “His achievement is an encouragement to everyone to see that learning is really for life and should be valued for its own contribution to a richer life, rather than simply as a means to an end.”
Rev Dowse, who will officially receive his doctorate in June, is looking forward to a rest after his intellectual exertions.
"I may just put my feet up now," he said.
Note to Editors: London School of Theology is a theological college of over 330 students which has been training students for Christian work in the UK and overseas for more than 60 years. Their degrees have been validated by Brunel University, since 1993. For further details: Contact Helen Jacobus, Press Officer, Brunel University, helen@Jacobus@Brunel.ac.uk 01895 274000; 01895 265585 or Linda Barclay, Press Officer, London School of Theology, 01923 456240 linda.Barclay@londonbiblecollege.ac.uk |