Late bloomer Woman earns degree at 70

DICK MASON/The Observer Margaret Baker meets with her brother, Martin Goughnour, following EOU’s commencement Saturday. Baker received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Goughnour is also an Eastern alum. He graduated from EOU about eight years ago with a degree in fire science. Baker and Goughnour both live in Canby.

Baker joined a select and inspiring list Saturday, becoming one of the few people to have earned a degree at EOU after reaching age 70.

“It (the commencement walk) was wonderful and sad. I already miss learning.’’

Baker missed attending college after graduating from Franklin High School in 1957 because she was devoting her time to raising a family. Later she opened an automobile dealership in Portland, “Peggy’s Classic Cars.’’ The dealership sold primarily 1950s models and some that dated back to before 1920.

Baker operated the dealership for 25 years before retiring in 2001. It was then that Baker’s brother Martin Goughnour changed her life direction with the following words:

“Now it is your turn to go to college.’’

It was her turn to earn a degree, he said, since all of the other family’s siblings already had graduated from college.

Goughnour and his sister later went to the Harmony Center in Clackamas where EOU has a satellite center. Baker enrolled as an Eastern distance education student and began attending classes in Clackamas and at EOU’s Wilsonville center. She also took courses online.

Baker was following the lead of her brother who earned a degree in fire science from EOU. Baker visited EOU’s campus for the first time when she attended Martin Goughnour’s graduation around 2002.

Baker felt anxious about returning to school after being out of the classroom for decades. Her concerns were eased early after she successfully completed a mandatory math course.

“Once I passed my required math class I knew I was home free,’’ Baker said.

She speaks highly of the quality of instruction she received and added that she was excited to meet EOU President Bob Davies at the Clackamas center twice over the past year.

One of Baker’s areas of emphasis during her studies was the history of Ireland. She has lifelong interest in Ireland because her grandmother was born there. Baker and her brother and two sisters, Marie Wachlin and Martha MacIver, visited Ireland twice while she was earning her degree. The enjoyment of her trips was enhanced by what she had learned during her EOU studies.

Baker so enjoyed her college experience that she hopes to pursue a master’s degree. She will not be returning to school in the immediate future, however.

“I owe my husband (Tom Hefflin) at least a year of my total attention.’’

Baker’s immediate plans include remaining active at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oregon City where she is a volunteer.

Baker hopes her story inspires others who have been out of school for decades to also pursue a degree. Those who do may be pleasantly surprised by their success, just as Baker was.

“People cannot say you are too old to learn. It is just not true. If I can secure a degree, anyone can.’’