For Kiwanian, Army service meant missing commencement — until now

Not once but twice, Ken Grundborg was unable to attend his college commencement exercises owing to what might be termed a family obligation.

When you’re in the Army, “you don’t argue with Uncle Sam,” Grundborg chuckled at the May 21 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington.

At the meeting, the club member and Arlington resident detailed a journey of more than 60 years to finally participate in commencement exercises at the Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech.

In 1960, Grundborg completed his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at the institution. But the Defense Department dispatched him to a posting in Korea, leaving him unable to receive his diploma in person.

Six years later, it happened again. Having completed graduate work at Georgia Tech, Grundborg found himself unable to attend commencement ceremonies because he had been posted to South Vietnam.

It was all part of a 28-year career with the U.S. military that saw Grundborg at different times involved with the Army Corps of Engineers, 82nd Airborne Division, Rangers and Pathfinders. He retired as a colonel, having earned the Legion of Merit, Ranger Tab and Bronze Star Medal — but without possession of his diplomas.

Fast-forward six decades. Grundborg’s bride, Mila Lynne Floro, felt something should be done to rectify the situation. She wrote to Georgia Tech, explaining the situation.

What followed as a case of the red carpet being rolled out — the university welcomed its 88-year-old alumnus back with open arms, spotlighting him at the spring 2026 undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies and highlighting his military service.

The institution’s president, Ángel Cabrera, couldn’t resist a playful admonishment as the Arlington resident walked across the stage to receive his diplomas to an ovation.

“You, sir, are 60 years late to your graduation ceremony!” Cabrera said.

For Grundborg, the experience proved “the most memorable day of my life.”

“I almost cried,” he told fellow Kiwanians. “It was amazing. They went all out.”

Grundborg said that he may not have had the chance to participate in commencement ceremonies in the 1960s, but he always has valued his time spent at Georgia Tech.

“I really appreciate that school,” he said. “It prepared me for my military career.”

Knowing a good story when they saw it, a number of Georgia and even national news outlets provided coverage.

Grundborg told ABC News that he never held it against the Army that he wasn’t able to participate in commencement events.

“I understood that when they had an opening or a need, that took precedence,” he said.

Ken and Mila Lynne, also a Kiwanis Club of South Arlington member, married last year after having been together as a couple for a decade.