Councilwoman Gets College Degree After 30 Years

Three decades after she began her college education, City Council member Mary Hornbuckle, 53, will don cap and gown today to receive her degree at Southern California College.

“It’s 30 years later, but what the heck, I’ve got another 30 years to go,” Hornbuckle said.

The councilwoman, who is also director of Community Preschool in Newport Beach, dropped out of school in Indiana to get married and move to California.

Now that her children are grown and have gone to college themselves, she finally found time to finish her own education.

Hornbuckle said her decision to leave her seat on the council in November also contributed to her going back to school because she will now have more time to explore new options.

“I think you ought to do what you can to be ready. I will be leaving the council in November, which will be a big change, and I like to have my options open,” she said.