Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor, fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending college more than eight decades after being expelled by the Nazis.
At a Glance
- Jacqueline Kimmelstiel fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending college at the University of Mount Saint Vincent
- Forced out of school at age 12 during World War II, she hid from the Nazis in a convent
- She attended English and French classes and became an honorary coach at a basketball game
- Her day concluded with a graduation ceremony, receiving an official college certificate
A Journey Interrupted by War
Jacqueline Kimmelstiel’s education came to an abrupt end at age 12 when Nazi forces invaded France and banned Jewish students from attending school. As reported by the New York Post, she fled to a convent to survive, leaving her dream of education behind. But the desire never faded.
In 1947, she emigrated to the United States, built a life with her husband—also a Holocaust survivor—and worked as a seamstress. Throughout the decades, she carried the hope of one day setting foot in a classroom again.
Watch a report: 97-year-old Holocaust survivor graduates from University of Mount Saint Vincent.
Realizing a Long-Deferred Dream
Thanks to the “golden wish” program from RiverSpring Living’s Hebrew Home, Kimmelstiel recently became a student for a day at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. She joined English and French classes, participated as an honorary basketball coach, and was named an “official Dolphin”—a proud title among the college’s student body.
The day culminated in a moving graduation-style ceremony, where she received a certificate of college participation. Her grandson Jonah noted, “Education was always something that was very important to our grandmother… it’s not surprising that her golden wish would be to go to college.”
Education as a Legacy
The moment resonated far beyond one woman’s life. University president Susan R. Burns praised Jacqueline’s courage and perseverance, calling her story a testament to the power of the human spirit. For Kimmelstiel, it was not just about learning—it was about reclaiming dignity stolen by war.
“They didn’t allow us to go to school,” she said. “I always wanted this. I’ve always missed this.”
More than eight decades after being cast out of a classroom, Jacqueline’s story stands as a symbol of resistance, healing, and the timeless value of education. Her life teaches us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams—and that some victories, though delayed, are all the more profound when finally realized.
