SAN BERNARDINO - Dorothy Inghram has had a life of firsts: the first black teacher hired in San Bernardino County, the first black principal in the county, the first black superintendent in California, and the first black accepted at the University of Redlands.

On Saturday, the 97-year-old San Bernardino resident received a personal first - an honorary doctorate presented to her at Cal State San Bernardino's commencement ceremonies.

"I'm excited, I'm proud," a humble Inghram said before commencement began. "I'm so grateful they considered me."

She was presented the degree at the commencement of the College of Education, where 140 students graduated Saturday.

"She is a beloved and distinguished teacher and administrator," said Albert Karnig, university president. "She's adored by thousands of former students and others in the community, and I certainly count myself among them."

When he told the graduates, family and friends gathered at the university that Inghram was 97 years old, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

Inghram stood up from her wheelchair and smiled from the podium.

"I had always said one doctor in the family was enough, but that was before my brother passed away a few years ago," Inghram said. She also holds a bachelor's degree in music, a master's degree in education and another master's degree in arts.

"Most impressively," Karnig said before the ceremony, "She bowls twice a week."

In the founders room, where VIPs mingled in their caps and gowns, a professor steamed wrinkles out of her gown. Inghram, accompanied by Milton Clark, the dean of undergraduate studies and her second and third grade pupil, smiled gamely as most everyone tried to get their picture taken with her.

"She's a beautiful person," said Ida Roberson, 84, who has been a friend of Inghram's almost all of her life and attends church with her.

Inghram encouraged Roberson to get her master's degree 33 years after graduating. "It's because of her that I did it."

Inghram is a native of San Bernardino County and was a member of the first class when San Bernardino Valley College opened in 1926. After teaching music for three years at a Texas college, she returned to San Bernardino in 1939 and earned her elementary teaching credential.

She was hired as a teacher at Mill Elementary School in 1941 and later became principal. In 1963, Inghram was appointed liaison principal for intergroup relations for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, a post she held until her retirement in 1971.

But she's not done yet. She's currently writing her fifth book on education.

And the secret to living such a fulfilling life?

"Having the opportunity to work with so many children," Inghram said.