A Paterson native continued to follow his passion and now holds a new degree to his name.

Thomas Scalora, 69, graduated from William Paterson University in 1978 with a Bachelor's of Science. But he loved something more: music.

Scalora was in a car accident when he was in his 40s that damaged his spine and gave him nerve damage in his right arm and hand. It left him unable to play an instrument.

But at the age of 64, he decided to take a music class at William Paterson.

Now, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Studies and had a great time along the way.