At 88, a Florida-based lawyer received his very own special law school graduation over 50 years after finishing his law degree.

Lawyer Matthew Russell, a long-time educator and civic leader in his town, attended Florida State University Law School and graduated in 1972. Yet he did not attend his graduation rites.

His family discovered this just a couple of years ago so they contacted the university to make a special arrangement.

"My daughter-in-law was so affected by it," Russell told WPBF news site. "She said to my son, 'We need to do something about that.'"

Because of their initiative, a special graduation ceremony for Russell became possible.

His family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Heron Estates Senior Center in Rivera Beach, South Florida last week to witness the special event.

The dean of the Florida State University College of Law, Erin O'Conner, also flew to the special ceremony.

"I am so impressed with that so moved with the dean coming all the way down here," Russell said. "This is something I'll never forget."

He earned his bachelor's degree from the Florida A&M University.