Karl Siegler, a 75-year-old resident of New Mexico, is pursuing his second master's degree at The University of New Mexico. Having earned a Master of Business Administration in 2022 from the same institution, Siegler has returned to the Anderson School of Management this fall to study Cybersecurity and Business Analytics. He balances his studies with family responsibilities and his role as a Material Master Manager.
Siegler explained his motivation: “I have just continued going to school because, you know, I’m working full time and going to a university and you got to keep the little gray cells going as Poirot would say, it’s just fun."
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Siegler moved to Oregon where he joined the Navy in 1967. During his military service, he attended classes at The University of Washington for Chemical Engineering before switching to Occupational Education at Southern Illinois University. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1981 and retired from the military shortly after. In 1989, he settled in New Mexico and has been employed by Summit Electric Supply for nearly three decades.
Despite his busy schedule involving family commitments, work duties, and academic pursuits, Siegler remains undeterred: “75 is just a number and as long as you’re in good health, you just keep on going," he said. "Once you stop, you’re done, and I’m not ready to be done.”
According to Learn.org statistics mentioned by Siegler himself, most master's degree recipients are typically in their late 20s or early 30s; however, many programs include students of various ages. Siegler observes numerous non-traditional students within his business school program.
“For me," he noted regarding his current studies in Cybersecurity prompted partly by personal interest due to familial ties—his daughter works within that field—and practical considerations related to online security awareness: "I’m just doing it to go to school...I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
Siegler acknowledges potential barriers such as time constraints or financial burdens faced by those contemplating further education but highlights opportunities like New Mexico Legislature's senior tuition program offering courses at $5 per credit hour for individuals over age sixty-five which helped him manage costs effectively spending around $2k primarily on books/labs expenses alone thus far while advocating others similarly inclined seize chances when feasible since obtaining advanced degrees may prove beneficial career-wise yielding salary increments among other advantages stating succinctly if someone desires attaining credentials they should pursue them regardless how old they might be already because ultimately these endeavors could provide competitive edges professionally speaking indeed overall message conveyed through own experiences underscores importance lifelong learning ethos urging anyone considering returning academia embrace possibilities wholeheartedly whatever stage life find themselves presently inhabiting now reiterating sentiments previously expressed about ongoing educational aspirations beyond anticipated graduation ceremony scheduled autumn two years hence affirming commitment continued intellectual growth indefinitely moving forward unabatedly
“All I have do spend my time think important keep on keeping,” concluded optimistically reflecting future plans post-degree completion looking ahead next chapter journey embarked upon anew once again
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