Famed inventor Thomas Alva Edison, who died more than 70 years ago at the age of 84 without earning a college degree, received a bachelor of science degree from the college named in his honor.
Officials at Thomas Edison State College said Sunday the degree was the first earned B.S. ever granted posthumously. That's because Edison College grants credit for life experience. College officials said the inventor of the incandescent light bulb and phonograph had more than enough life experience to justify a degree.Edison's degree was accepted by his great-grandson, Barry Sloane, during a ceremony at the War Memorial Auditorium.
Jerry Ice, vice president of academic affairs, said faculty members used the same standards they use for all of Edison's students to determine that the man for whom the college was named deserved a degree in applied science and technology.