Education

‘A Celebrity on Campus’: Refugee School Janitor Graduates From Columbia Univ With Honors After a Dozen Years of Study

(The Blaze/AP) — For years, Gac Filipaj mopped floors, cleaned toilets and took out trash at Columbia University.

A refugee from war-torn Yugoslavia, he eked out a living working for the Ivy League school. But Sunday was payback time: The 52-year-old janitor donned a cap and gown to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in classics.

As a Columbia employee, he didn’t have to pay for the classes he took. His favorite subject was the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca, the janitor said during a break from his work at Lerner Hall, the student union building he cleans.

Gac Filipaj, Refugee and School Janitor, Graduates From Columbia University With Honors after a Dozen Years of Study

(Photo: AP)

“I love Seneca‘s letters because they’re written in the spirit in which I was educated in my family — not to look for fame and fortune, but to have a simple, honest, honorable life,” he said.

His graduation with honors capped a dozen years of studies, including readings in ancient Latin and Greek.

“This is a man with great pride, whether he’s doing custodial work or academics,” said Peter Awn, dean of Columbia’s School of General Studies and professor of Islamic studies. “He is immensely humble and grateful, but he’s one individual who makes his own future.”

Filipaj was accepted at Columbia after first learning English; his mother tongue is Albanian.

For Filipaj, the degree comes after years of studying late into the night in his Bronx apartment, where he’d open his books after a 2:30-11 p.m. shift as a “heavy cleaner” — his job title. Before exam time or to finish a paper, he’d pull all-nighters, then go to class in the morning and then to work.

On Sunday morning in the sun-drenched grassy quad of Columbia’s Manhattan campus, Filipaj flashed a huge smile and a thumbs-up as he walked off the podium after a handshake from Columbia President Lee Bollinger.

Gac Filipaj, Refugee and School Janitor, Graduates From Columbia University With Honors after a Dozen Years of Study

(Photo: AP)

Later, Filipaj got a big hug from his boss, Donald Schlosser, Columbia’s assistant vice president for campus operations.

Bollinger presided over a ceremony in which General Studies students received their graduation certificates. They also can attend Wednesday’s commencement of all Columbia graduates, most of whom are in their 20s.

Filipaj wasn’t much older in 1992 when he left Montenegro, then a Yugoslav republic facing a brutal civil war.

An ethnic Albanian and Roman Catholic, he left his family farm in the tiny village of Donja Klezna outside the city of Ulcinj because he was about to be drafted into the Yugoslav army led by Serbs, who considered many Albanians their enemy.

He fled after almost finishing law school in Belgrade, Yugoslavia’s capital, where he commuted for years by train from Montenegro.

At first in New York, his uncle in the Bronx offered him shelter while he worked as a restaurant busboy.

“I asked people, which are the best schools in New York?” he says. Since Columbia topped his list, “I went there to see if I could get a job.”

Part of his $22-an-hour janitor’s pay still goes back to his brother, sister-in-law and two kids in Montenegro. Filipaj has no computer, but he bought one for the family, whose income comes mostly from selling milk.

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Filipaj also saves by not paying for a cellphone; he can only be reached via landline.

He wishes his father were alive to enjoy his achievement. The elder Filipaj died in April, and the son flew over for the funeral, returning three days later for work and classes.

To relax at home, he enjoys an occasional cigarette and some “grappa” brandy.

“And if I have too much, I just go to sleep,” he says, laughing.

During an interview with The Associated Press in a Lerner Hall conference room, Filipaj didn’t show the slightest regret or bitterness about his tough life. Instead, he cheerfully described encounters with surprised younger students who wonder why their classmate is cleaning up after them.

“They say, ‘Aren’t you…?’” he said with a grin.

His ambition is to get a master’s degree, maybe even a Ph.D., in Roman and Greek classics. Someday, he hopes to become a teacher, while translating his favorite classics into Albanian.

For now, he’s trying to get “a better job,” maybe as supervisor of custodians or something similar, at Columbia if possible.

He’s not interested in furthering his studies to make more money.

“The richness is in me, in my heart and in my head, not in my pockets,” said Filipaj, who is now an American citizen.

Soon after, the feisty, 5-foot-4 janitor picked up a broom and dustpan and went back to work.

Comments (37)

  • dontbotherme
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 3:00pm

    Oh! God bless this man! What wonderful fortitude he has shown! He aspired to gain knowledge and he did it! And now, he wishes to share the wisdom he gained with the countrymen from whence he came. He is a great man. Who knows of the lives he may touch & forever change? Hope and dreams come to life.

    Report Post »  
  • YAHSHUARULES
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 1:36pm

    Nice story about the man and his work ethic and values. But I had to pause at this: said Peter Awn, dean of Columbia’s School of General Studies and professor of Islamic studies.

    So whose in charge of General Studies is a professor of ISLAMIC studies?
    Do you know there is a curiculum being used in 7th grade for children to become muslims as an exercise, adopting muslim names, fasting as for ramadan, etc. If you have not heard of this program check this out…
    http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid949801312001?bckey=AQ%7E%7E%2cAAAACEco_Vk%7E%2c9bOat4XcfB_88ri1a3UMdKnLpH9aM8Fv&bclid=0&bctid=1271237687001

    Report Post » YAHSHUARULES  
  • Walkabout
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 9:57am

    “His ambition is to get a master’s degree, maybe even a Ph.D., in Roman and Greek classics. Someday, he hopes to become a teacher, while translating his favorite classics into Albanian.”

    He needs a scholarship. It is the only way to get done what he wants to get done. Translating classics into Albanian could go far.

    What do you want to get translated into Albanian, the Koran or Roman and Greek classics?

    Ideals matter!

    Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 8:46am

    Too bad we don’t have people like him in politics.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 9:03am

      Congratulations! . His achievement is outstanding because of his other responsibilities and age. Working full time and going to school however, is nothing new except we have forgotten that fact. I did it married with a child.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
  • MiCurmudgeon
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 7:27am

    A story about a man who worked his way through college that makes the news should show the whiners what they could accomplish if they “WORKED”. I worked for $1 per hour while at college, worked in small factories during the Summers , and had a small loan to pay off ( six months after graduating it was paid) so I don’t feel a bit sorry for the bunch Oblamer is attempting to exploit.

    Report Post »  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 11:44am

      My grandfather, when 3yrs-old, went to the USA (with his older cousin) from Holland. He arrived months-later in the “bildge” of a friggate(sailship) in N.Y. Harbor, Ellis-Island. He+cousin went to Chicago where their aunt lived. At 3yrs+, grandpa worked repairing shoes, and going to learn at the Chicago Public Library….learned Amer-English(all on his own), math, science, law, medicine, polotics…all from the library…not from “school”. In the last few years of his life, His daughter/son-in-law had a child=me. I was about 7yrs when he died. I learned bout him through his daughters(2=ma and aunt-maggie) and his widdow(grandma). He was not only “book-learned” but wise in many things. I am sad, not for him to have lived a little longer, so I could-have learned from him, first-hand. A [Self-made Man], he was!

      Report Post »  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 7:12am

    A celebrity he is not! What he is is an example to be held up and everyone on campus should aspire to emulate him. In fact, he should be a beacon, “Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearing to be free”.
    My father’s family immigrated from Hungary. He was an elevator operator, worked on Wall Street as a runner, and finally a top broker in the 60‘s and 70’s. He was a voracious reader and never forgot the sacrifices made to get to this country. Hard work and perseverence win over entitlement any day.

    Report Post »  
    • chillygirl
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:00pm

      Yes! He needs to be major news so all those little self-centered brats who took out a loan and now expect the taxpayer to pay it off for them will see what can be done in the United States of America.
      I was the first one in my family to get a college education. I worked full time for three years after high school, before I went to college, saving my money for tuition. Then, while in college, I planned my schedule around a job. I got out of college with just $3,000 worth of loans to pay of, which I did within two years. It can be done. Too many students have been supported by mommy and daddy and now want to be supported by those awful people who have made a success of THEMSELVES.

      Report Post »  
  • texaspug
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 6:42am

    THAT is the kind of person we want! He is willing to work at whatever job and go to school… is appreciative for what is able to get… doesn’t sound like he EXPECTED any handout and was willing to work and study until the job was done…. I wish him well… I am sure his family is very proud!

    Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 8:09am

      It also depends on the person. Alan Grayson worked his way through Harvard as a night watchman and janitor and it did nothing for his character. He still remains the most embarassing attraction in FL with Wasserman-Schultz nipping at his heels. A lib is a lib and it is a state of mind, or lack thereof. Somewhere common sense, integrity, love of country and the free market have to come in. It is not all about them.

      Report Post »  
  • JaniceK
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 1:42am

    I think too many of you misread the story. This man values the knowledge he has gained — not the piece of paper, or the potential of riches or recognition.

    God Bless you sir! You are an amazing citizen!

    Report Post »  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 8:29am

      Then why bother walking across the stage to get that meaningless piece of paper?

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:50am

    52…?
    The poor guy looks like he is seventy

    Report Post » NeoKong  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:10am

    But, wait a moment…

    1) I can’t work and go to school at the same time.
    2) School is just too tough.
    3) There is just no opportunity!
    4) The deck is stacked against minorities and immigrants.
    5) The work I can get while going to school won’t cover my Ipod, Ipad, Beemer and (a nod to Rush) my contraceptives!
    6) I’m the 99% and life just isn’t fair!

    WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

    Report Post »  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:20am

      BTW, when the SHTF…this man will be worth 10,000 of the punks & whiners you run into in your life. Whatever group, circle, community winds up with him in it will be very lucky indeed.

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:02am

    The 52-year-old janitor donned a cap and gown to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in classics.

    and with that degree, all he will be doing in this economy is janitor

    congrats to him, but sadly someone wrongly told him a liberal arts degree actually meant something

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:14am

      Did you actually read the story?

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:16am

      Oh dear God..“classics”?…the dear dear man worked so hard to travel a dead end street.
      who guided him?..
      if he finds a job, please let us know…wow….

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:25am

      His Columbia Advisor… should be so proud :(

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • One Man Mormon Blues Band
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 8:28am

      Education is only worthwhile if it creates money??????? Maybe money is only worthwhile if it creates true education.

      Report Post » One Man Mormon Blues Band  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 11:00am

      Psychosis

      congrats to him, but sadly someone wrongly told him a liberal arts degree actually meant something
      ***

      Stories can change culture. Read Beowulf. Why is it recited? To teach what it means to be a man, a wise ruler. I would much rather have this man translate Roman & Greek classics into Albanian that to have the Koran translated into Albanian & nothing else.
      If the Albanian read nothing but the Koran are they ever going to learn about their Heritage. They are descended from the ancient Illyrians. The music group Peter Paul & Mary were of the opinion that people/culture would follow the songs. Well if the song writers are idiots … Books matter. A liberal arts degrees are valuable. The problem is that we have too many of them & some “so called” fields in liberal arts are worse the worthless. It would be a problem if we had 100,000 electrical engineers , only needed 10,000 but needed 100,000 chemical engineers but only had 10,000.

      Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:46pm

    After getting a degree from Columbia University he is now qualified to mop floors, clean toilets and take out trash.

    (end joke)

    Way to go Gac Filipaj….

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 1:53am

      @The-Monk

      LMAO….Thats Funny !!!!!

      Thanks I need that…

      Report Post » Bryan B  
  • firstgenesis
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:26pm

    This is an excellent story except that it is totally WRONG!!!! Here are false reports with the corrections next to them
    1: His name isn’t Gac Filipaj, it’s Julia
    2: He didn’t mop floors as a janitor. He got a student load and lived off the government, moonlighting as a public forum speaker on the success of monarchy and communism in the Balkan States.
    3: His favorite subject wasn’t the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca. It was in fact Occupy 101 where he got to learn that if you sit around and do nothing, oil tycoons from the middle east will pay for you to eat pizza.

    Now Blaze if you will please make these corrections to your GROSS errors, we the 99% would appreciate it. Silly Blaze, the truth is for Conservatives!
    ;)

    Report Post »  
    • firstgenesis
      Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:38pm

      If I may, I would like to respond to my first post. Mr. Filipaj I am sorry for using your amazing accomplishment to take a cheap shot at the President’s policies and campaigning. You are an inspiration to me and my family. Your story is one of the reasons for the founding of America. You can come here and as a janitor graduate from Columbia University. I hope those reading my first post will get from it humor; however, I feel as though I should not have used such a positive story of success to promulgate Presidential disappointment.
      Thank you, and God Bless you Mr. Filipaj

      Report Post »  
    • MikeJoyous11
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:29am

      Bravo, friend! It gives me hope that, should I find a job, maybe even at a university, I can earn a degree in music, literature, and cinema. Somehow, I’d like to put it all together!

      Report Post » MikeJoyous11  
  • MikeJoyous11
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 10:59pm

    This man touches my heart. I have spent years in school with little learning. I suspect this janitor learned from every class he took. I so much hope he gets that masters and then the doctorate to teach a course in his beloved classics.

    Report Post » MikeJoyous11  
    • Puddle Duck
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:46am

      Will earning that PHD take him another 8 – 10 years though ? 12 years for BA in Classic Lit ? Wow is all I can say to that. At least he stuck with it and got that useless piece of paper. He can hang it on the inside of his locker door in the mechanical room.

      Report Post » Puddle Duck  
  • Cosmos102
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 10:54pm

    That’s the kind of man people should look up to. There is a lot of wisdom in him. Not one speck of greed or meaness. I would be proud to know him.

    Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • TurboCat
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 5:53am

      Every thing you just posted. Me too.

      Report Post »  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 11:58am

      In the early 50′s I had neighbors who were mostly or even 100%-self-taught. The ones who had higher-education, also studied their “life” around them as they schooled. I learened over 75% of my usefull-knowlege from them, not from a school. I grad from HS&DeVry, to round-out my previous learninngs. I am now retired…I see a kid looking at his/her broken bike….I use what I was taught…did NOT fixit for him/her…tought HOW to fixit…and sat-back to watch…WOW! Fixed own bike! Love-it! Knowledge is lost forever, if not given-with-love, to the young…so later-on they can do the same.

      Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 10:27pm

    I would think that where this man came from, he didn’t take any sh*t from the socialists, communist instructors and professors.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 13, 2012 at 10:37pm

      Oh, no… no Communists in old Yugoslavia… just everyone who was not a Fascist!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Lt_Scrounge
      Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:14pm

      This reply is for Luke,
      Do a little research before opening your mouth will you? Yugoslavia was a communist country, but NOT a soviet satellite state like most of Eastern Europe. Tito and Stalin didn’t get along. There were no fascists in the country because they were rousted by the Partisans under Josip Broz aka Tito during and immediately following WWII. Upon Tito’s death, the ethnic divisions in the country blew up. That’s how the entire Bosnia/Herzegovina/Montenegro mess came about. A lack of a solid plan for the transfer of power upon the death of the dictator. BTW during WWII there were two groups of people fighting for control of what became Yugoslavia. One group was the Partisans under Tito that were communists, the other group were the fascist allies of the Germans. They lost. Tito originally was a USSR ally until he had a falling out with Stalin. I had to do a research paper on the unconventional forces in Yugoslavia during WWII for a class in college otherwise I wouldn’t have this much background information this readily at hand.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 12:49am

      @LT…
      I was there… for some time… and the Muslim influence leans toward the Nazi… whereas the North leans Communist… but all are Socialist So, you must also believe that there are no more Nazis in Germany!

      I will repeat my Statement: They ARE Communist (just not the Russian Version)… except for the Fascists!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on May 14, 2012 at 9:58am

      lukerw

      You were there under Clinton’s & the European Union’s fiasco?

      Report Post »  

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