74-Year-Old to Graduate from C.W. Post Age and Disability
Can't Deter Roslyn Resident's Spirit
Many people attend college before they make it big in the business world;
but not Harry Gold. This 74-year-old Roslyn resident served in the army
in Europe, made Dr. Brown's beverages a household name, and raised a family
in Roslyn. It was only upon his retirement that Gold decided to hit the
books and obtain the college degree he never had time to earn.
"I got married in 1944 while I was still in the army, and when
I got out I didn't have the luxury of time anymore," said Gold, who
with his retired librarian wife, Ethel, raised a daughter, Adrian. "I
simply needed a job, so that was the end of my formal education."
Although the country's focus on the war made trucks scarce, the Charles
E. Hires company hired Gold in 1946 under the promise that he would someday
become a driver-salesman. After working as a porter, Gold became a driver
and was eventually promoted to branch manager in Baltimore. He later worked
for the Mission Beverage Company in New York and from there to the American
Beverage Corporation in College Point. When the company was taken over
by Canada Dry, Gold became marketing director for Dr. Brown's beverages
and was responsible for getting Dr. Brown's products - known only in the
New York metropolitan area at the time - distributed to over 100 locations
in the United States. When he retired in 1993, Dr. Brown's softdrinks could
be found in nearly every urban center of the country.
"Even though I accomplished a lot, I was frustrated my whole life,"
said Gold. "I wanted to get a college education and I only had the
time to go after I retired. I chose C.W. Post because my wife is an alumna
and enjoyed her college experience as well."
On Sunday, May 10, 1998 Gold will be among the 1,100 students graduating
from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville. Two
months before his 75th birthday, Gold will earn his bachelor's degree in
history with a 3.83 grade point average.
"I was a very contentious student and worked hard at each course,
but since I was older than the typical college student, I never felt the
pressure of getting high grades," said Gold, whose disability requires
him to use braces and a cane. "I walk ever so slowly, but indeed I
was able to get to each class. And I would encourage others in a handicapped
position to go to college. It may be difficult, but if you do the best
you can you will succeed."
For more information call the C.W. Post Public
Relations Office at (516) 299-2333 or e-mail cwpostpr@aurora.liunet.edu
or send mail to: Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern
Blvd., Brookville, New York 11548-1300.
