One of the senior-most nontraditional students in SUNY Canton, Myrtle Butterfield, 83, of Canton studies between classes. Butterfield is a liberal arts major scheduled to graduate in December.

“I went to the Office of Admissions with my granddaughter-in-law,” Myrtle recalled. “I met (Admissions Counselor) Brandon Davock and when I walked out, I was enrolled in the Liberal Arts program.”

Her great-grandson, Carter K. Cutway, was a Business Management student during the Spring 2012 Semester, and Myrtle’s great-granddaughter, Jamie L. Butterfield, is in the Criminal Justice program. “Who else can say they went to College with their great-grandmother?” Cutway said.

Myrtle Butterfield, 83, with her great-granddaughter Jamie L. Butterfield (right) and Carter K. Cutway (Left). All three attended SUNY Canton at the same time.

“There’s a lot of my family connected with this College,” Myrtle said. “I watched both of my great-grandchildren grow up, and now I get to go to College with them.”

Adjusting to college life did not come easy to Myrtle. “I almost quit during my first week,” she recalled, “but the Accommodative Services Office has been amazing! Everyone is so supportive. What more can you ask for?”

During time at the college and after developing a new routine, Myrtle has developed a new love of learning. She’s been on the President’s list and inducted into two honor societies, and her GPA was in the top 10 percent of her class.

Myrtle often offers advice to her younger classmates. “I went straight from high school to marriage,” Myrtle recalled. “We didn’t have the resources then that we have today. I always regretted not coming to college, but work and family always came first. I tell all of the young, beautiful and wonderful students here not to waste this opportunity.”

Myrtle has also discovered she has a talent for writing prose and poetry. She is scheduled to earn her associate degree in December 2012 and plans to work toward her four-year degree and continue writing.

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