Degree No. 5, and counting

For Bill Homan, learning is a way of life.

The Sugar Grove man, 54, received his fifth degree Thursday night at Waubonsee Community College's commencement.

"Learning is for life," he said. "That's the motto."

His associate degree in nursing is the latest in a long line of interests and careers for him. He considers learning a form of entertainment.

His first degree -- and still his specialty -- was a bachelor's in math and physics from Purdue University.

A master's in applied math and a master's of business administration from Indiana University followed, then an associate degree in art from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.

He has worked as a high school teacher, college teacher, systems analyst, engineer, stay-at-home dad and office manager. He has owned a catering business and had a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade for eight years.

"There you're considered over the hill at 35," he said. "That's when I retired."

But the idea of actual retirement from work isn't appealing to him.

"Oh no!" he said. "Heavens, that would be so boring."

Even when not pursuing a degree, he has racked up dozens of credits in literature, history and music, and has studied seven languages.

"Your brain wants balance, I think," he said. "My goal was to take the major classes in every field I was interested in."

He has gotten support for his new field from his wife, a hospital administrator. The interest in learning has been passed along to his two sons, one of whom is working on his doctorate.

At Waubonsee, he is a member of the Steel Drum Band, performing more than 100 shows, and he helped the school College Bowl team come in second in state in 2006.

He said he didn't feel out of place in classes with younger students.

"I didn't really notice any difference," he said. "I've got friends from 18 to 65."

He plans to attend Northern Illinois University in the fall to complete his bachelor's degree in nursing. He is still deciding what direction he wants to take with the degree -- practice, administration or research. Luckily, he is qualified for all three.

"I think that's kind of my strength -- versatility," he said. "I'm just glad that I'm still excited about it."