Amid the technology and daily innovations we find in the field of online universities, it's important to remember that the industry is about, first and foremost, people. Which is what makes inspiring stories like this one so wonderful.

Joel Brown had to leave college 64 years ago, to help his family. Back then, nobody would've dreamed that a college education would one day be within reach for anyone, at any age. Thanks to online enrollment, Joel recently fulfilled his dream of earning a college degree...at the age of 80.

"I never dreamed that I would get a degree at 80, but here I am," said Brown, who proudly wears his 2006 class ring. "This just goes to show you that you should never give up on your dreams."

Brown initially enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1944. He was one year shy of graduation when he left UA and went to work in the Capital City to help support his family.

Twelve years into retirement, Brown, who is an active community volunteer and leader of the Sunday school ministry at Eastmont Baptist Church, decided in 2003 that the time was right to resume pursuit of his lifelong dream.

Brown said he still feels as if he has "more work" to do and doesn't plan to stop his quest for knowledge. He hopes his journey will inspire others.

"Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got," he said, "and life will give you all it has for you."

(Photo: Joel Brown with class ring, courtesy of the Montgomery Advisor.)