Student, 62, allowed to graduate 41 years late – on same day as son

A former university student has finally been allowed to graduate 41 years after completing his degree – on the same day as his son.

Jonny Clothier, 62, studied architecture at the University of Bristol and finished his studies in 1983.

But after the pet parrot of one of his flatmates defaced their accommodation – they were left with a bill of £64.80 for the final term – despite going to live elsewhere.

A long-abandoned rule dictated that students with outstanding debts were allowed their degrees – but not a graduation ceremony.

Mr Clothier has always refused to pay on principle.

But last Thursday the university decided to waive its usual restrictions, enabling Mr Clothier to graduate on the same day as his youngest son, Carter.

Carter studied biology and is hoping to pursue a career in sustainability.

After his mother and father met and studied alongside each other at Bristol – Carter is the last of his family to graduate from the university.

The Clothiers’ daughter Tiger studied law and works in marketing, while her brother Quito studied music – and now works as an art dealer.

Their mother Helen, 60, read Russian and French and worked making TV documentaries in Russia.

Mr Clothier, who lives in Petersfield, Hampshire, said: “They haven’t mentioned the money, so I’m keeping quiet.

“It’s not really about me, it’s about them, and signing off on the 20-year project to get the kids through the whole cycle of education.”

But he added he “loved his time doing architecture”. “We worked really hard but we also played hard. We danced, we partied and then we went back to work,” he said.

“It’s been really nice watching the kids go through the same things 30 years on.”

He left architecture for a career in TV, but has returned to his original vocation, currently working on a contemporary net-zero treehouse in the Forest of Dean.

Carter Clothier said: “It’s definitely a unique experience graduating with your dad, but it was an amazing day and a beautiful ceremony. It was the perfect way to close off an incredible three years at Bristol.”

Professor Evelyn Welch, the university’s vice-chancellor and president, conferred Mr Clothier’s degree.

She said: “After 41 years, we thought it was finally time to waive the bill and it was great to see Jonny officially graduate.

“We are so pleased that Jonny, Carter and the rest of the family had such a great day, and we wish them all the best of luck in the future.”

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