There are those who echo the sentiment “age is just a number,” and those who embody it. Roger Whalan falls into the latter.
At 85, the grandfather and former businessman is graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Philosophy.
When meeting Roger and his two children, who attend his ceremony, there’s a hard-to-pinpoint magic as he stands among a sea of much younger graduates.
His silver hair sets him apart, yet his youthful spirit feels far from out of place. If anything, he serves as a much-needed reminder that learning is lifelong and doesn't come with an expiry date.
Roger Whalan embodies the sentiment “age is just a number." Photo: Elaine Obran
For Whalan, the idea of changing direction through study began to take shape at 65.
Over a decade ago, he made a decision that would reshape his later life, though he summarises it simply: if he didn’t do it then, he might never do it at all.
“I did a degree in commerce in the mid-1990s, and I had a business career,” Whalan says.
“When I reached the age of 65, I thought maybe it’s time to reinvent myself. Otherwise, I’ll just keep doing the same thing.”
But the journey wasn’t easy. Midway through his degree a health crisis struck, with Whalan collapsing at his work desk.
“When the global financial crisis happened, I was under a lot of stress because I was a property developer and my bank collapsed – that cost me a lot. I think that may have contributed to my stroke,” Whalan reflects.
“In 2017, I was sitting at my desk when it happened, and I quickly went to the hospital.
“I lost the ability to speak, which was important because that is something that I had to re-learn. It takes time, but eventually the brain starts to form connections again.”
Alongside his rehabilitation, and undergoing the difficult process of re-learning how to speak, reading works of philosophy offered him a way to make sense of his near-death experience.
Philosophy taught him, through questions of existence, knowledge, ethics and reason, to search for answers to life’s biggest challenges - and to accept that some may never be neatly resolved.
While he had already built a foundation through Open Universities, he chose Macquarie to deepen his understanding, drawn by its strong reputation in philosophy and its emphasis on critical thinking and contemporary debate.
Whalan receives his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Macquarie University. Image: Louise Southalan
“I’m interested in what’s the best form of social organisation, what gives some people the right to use violence, as well as who controls the information. And why do people have certain characteristics? Like, Donald Trump?”
“Is that genetic or something else?” That’s the trouble with philosophy. There is no ‘correct’ idea.”
But when asked what advice Whalan would give to future students, his answer suggests that, at times, philosophical lessons can offer a clear conclusion: it is never too late to start.
“Don't give up,” Whalan says.
“It can be a hard road, but don't let age stop you.”
He says this while looking at his two children, who proudly support him. In their presence, his achievement takes on an added dimension, not just academic success, but a shared family milestone.
Whalan's two children proudly support his achievment. Photo: Elaine Obran
“My children are what I’m most proud of. I could not have done this without them.”
For his daughter Louise Southalan, being part of his journey and watching it unfold has been just as inspiring.
“This has been the culmination of so many years of incredible hard work,” reflects Southalan.
“He has been so enthusiastic about embracing the opportunities that study has provided. It has challenged and excited him, and he has really loved sharing the things he has learnt with his family.”
“And his whole family's really been behind him. We not only feel really proud but also feel like it’s a real triumph of everyone involved.”