Alumni Turn 100—And Then Some!

This month, two Rutgers centenarians celebrated major milestone birthdays-Elizabeth (Betty) Barrett turned 105 and Bob Archiblad is celebrating his 102nd birthday.

Born in Cleveland the same year that women in the U.S. gained the right to vote, Barrett grew up in northeastern New Jersey, enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and served as a flight instructor in WWII.

Barrett graduated from Rutgers University in 1973 at age 51 with a degree in social service while working full-time and caring for her eight children. She has 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and has been a passionate aviator since her time in the military.

The Virginian-Pilot pointed out that she is actually "older than sliced bread" in a story that ran in advance of her Dec. 1 birthday.

"She always stood up for what was right, which is what she taught us too," said her second-youngest daughter, June Barrett-McDaniels. "My mom has had a really good life."