Fifty years after graduating from UW-Whitewater, a 72-year old Milwaukee man will finally get to cross the stage at commencement Dec. 19.

Frank W. Schultz missed out on the chance in 1959 because of a clerical error.

Then, he was told that he was just a quarter-credit short of graduation and couldn't participate in the commencement ceremony. He was halfway through summer school before he was told a mistake was made.

His bachelor's degree in business education was mailed to him.

Schultz taught for 34 years in the Milwaukee Public Schools and also worked at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Midwest Connect Airlines.

After sharing his story at his 50-year class reunion, UW-Whitewater invited him to attend the winter graduation ceremony, where he'll finally get to wear a cap and gown.

"It's something I never thought would happen," Schultz said, according to a UW-Whitewater news release. "I've been waiting 50 years for this."