Bill Ritter graduates from The New School in Manhattan

GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) -- It was a special night Wednesday for a group of graduates from The New School in Manhattan, and that group included one of our own at Eyewitness News.

The school held a recognition ceremony for seniors in the Bachelor's program for adults and transfer students.

The night honored what the school describes as the hard work, money, and aggravation everyone put into getting their degree.

One of the honorees was our very own Bill Ritter, who is finally receiving his diploma decades after being kicked out of San Diego State University for anti-war activity.

"I was kicked out of college 44 years ago, and this is what I looked like when I was kicked out of college (referencing the above photo)," Ritter said.

Bill will receive his degree on Friday night when the full cap and gown ceremony is held.

Congratulations, Bill!