Never too late: Alum to participate in winter commencement 50 years after earning degree

Several months ago, Luciano Barraza’s grandson asked him if he had any regrets in life.

“Just one,” the retired economist answered.

In 1967, Barraza completed a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Yet work obligations in his native Mexico and a lack of money kept him from being able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Fifty years later, Barraza, 77, will get that chance.

Largely due to the tenacity of his teenage grandson, Barraza will walk across the stage Dec. 17 at the Kohl Center and be publicly recognized for his academic achievement during the UW–Madison 2017 winter commencement ceremony.

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