In May, approximately 1,445 students will graduate from the University of Northern Colorado representing 13 international countries, 47 states and 46 Colorado counties. The graduates range in age, interests and backgrounds and forged different paths and obstacles to reach their goals.

Take a deeper look at six of the unique graduates, including a 78-year-old man who lived the history he studied, a record-breaking swimmer striving for Olympic gold, a performer eyeing the New York stage, a California business guru already successful in the field, an educator taking on a mountain of roles to support the youth and a future veterinarian who dealt with an inconceivable loss en route to her degree.