Army Veteran Overcomes Terminal Diagnosis to Celebrate ASU Graduation

TEMPE, Ariz. — Graduation season recently brought joy to Arizona State University, particularly for one remarkable veteran. Retired Army Capt. Clayton Burkhardt celebrated the culmination of his academic journey with a degree in electrical engineering, a triumph marked by resilience and determination.

Burkhardt’s story is one of survival. In 2021, during a training mission over Germany, he encountered a life-changing medical emergency. “My right side went numb and tingly, and I wasn’t able to speak,” he recalled. This incident led to a diagnosis of grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, a malignant brain tumor, just three months later.

At 29, Burkhardt faced daunting odds, as the typical life expectancy post-diagnosis ranges from three to five years. However, his doctors highlighted a favorable mutation that shifted the perspective toward prolonged survival. “Now the goal is prolonged life. My doctors say maybe 10, 20, even 30 years,” he noted.

Throughout his treatment, Burkhardt was resolute in pursuing an education. While balancing online classes initiated during his service, he persevered even amid challenges, ultimately graduating in front of proud family members.

“A terminal diagnosis doesn’t mean it’s the end,” Burkhardt stated during his graduation speech. “Until your last breath, there are still good things to follow.” He aims to leverage his degree to advance medical imaging technology, specifically in brain cancer diagnostics.

His academic journey will continue, as Burkhardt plans to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering at ASU next year. His dedication and hope inspire many, highlighting the power of resilience in the face of adversity.