Alabama Power retiree Vivian Cunningham earns Samford University degree at 78 By Sean Flynt May 13, 2021 Vivian Cunningham, a 78-year-old Alabama Power retiree, visits Samford University in advance of her recent graduation with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies. The last year of her Samford studies was virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Stephanie Douglas/Samford University) Alabama Power retiree Vivian Cunningham graduated from Samford University recently at the age of 78. There was no easy path to her degree, and long breaks might have become permanent if not for family, friends and Samford faculty and staff who encouraged her when she wasn’t sure she could go on.