A refugee from war-torn Yugoslavia, he eked out a living working for the Ivy League school. But yesterday was payback time: The 52-year-old janitor donned a cap and gown to graduate with a bachelor's degree in classics.
As a Columbia employee, he did not have to pay for the classes he took. His favourite subject was the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca, the janitor said during a break from his work at Lerner Hall, the student union building he cleans.
"I love Seneca's letters because they're written in the spirit in which I was educated in my family - not to look for fame and fortune, but to have a simple, honest, honourable life," he said.
For Mr Filipaj, the degree comes after years of studying late into the night in his Bronx apartment, where he would open his books after a 230-11 pm shift as a "heavy cleaner" - his job title. Before exam time or to finish a paper, he would pull all-nighters, then go to class in the morning and then to work.
Mr Filipaj did not show the slightest regret or bitterness about his tough life. He's not interested in furthering his studies to make more money.
"The richness is in me, in my heart and in my head, not in my pockets," said Mr Filipaj, who is now an American citizen.
SOURCE: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC120514-0000107/Ivy-League-school-janitor-graduates-with-honours
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