Incredible story: a Briton received a diploma 41 years after graduating (5 photos)

Life is full of unexpected things that can shape our future. That’s what happened to Bristol University student Johnny Cloutier in the 1980s. A minor incident involving his neighbour’s unruly parrot prevented Johnny from completing his degree, but 41 years later he was able to fix it.





In the early 1980s, Johnny Cloutier was an architecture student at Bristol University. Like many students, he “worked really hard but also had a lot of fun” during his studies – dancing, partying, and then getting back to work. It was great preparation for the real world, Johnny believes.

But shortly before graduating, in 1983, an incident occurred that would shape his future. One day, the guy returned to the halls of residence to find that his roommate's parrot, left unattended, had thoroughly destroyed the premises. Johnny and his friends were forced to move out and find new accommodation.



Johnny at university in the 1980s

However, the university administration demanded that Johnny pay rent for his last term - £64.80 (about £213 today). This was a rule that has since been abolished. Johnny, outraged by this demand, refused to pay. He was eventually awarded only a degree, but was unable to formally graduate with his classmates and receive a diploma.





Johnny Clothier and his son Carter at the graduation ceremony

After university, Johnny married his girlfriend Helen, whom he met in 1981. They had three children - Kito, Tiger and Carter, who also studied at the University of Bristol.

And so, 41 years after the incident with the parrot, in 2022, when Carter was graduating, the university administration decided to cancel Johnny's old debt.



Johnny with Carter (center), his wife Helen, daughter Tigra and son Quito

On Carter's graduation day, 62-year-old Johnny was finally able to officially graduate from the university with his son and receive a diploma. It was a very touching and joyful moment for the whole family.



Over the years, Johnny has made a career in film and television, but he has not abandoned architecture. He is currently working on a modern tree house project. The university administration is very happy to have been able to correct this historical injustice and allow Johnny to officially complete his education.