The Janitor Who Sent All Five Kids to College — Tuition-Free

How Fred Vautour Turned Late Night Cleaning into a Legacy of Education

When you think of heroes, you might picture someone with a cape or a microphone — but sometimes, true heroism is quieter.

Fred Vautour spent decades working the overnight shift as a janitor at Boston College. While most students were sleeping, Fred was polishing floors, emptying trash, and making sure the campus gleamed for the day ahead.

For many, this would be just a job. But for Fred, it was so much more.

The Dream That Kept Him Going

Fred was the proud father of five children, and he had a simple but powerful goal:
He wanted all of his kids to go to college — without the crushing burden of debt.

Fred didn’t have a college degree himself, but he believed in education’s power to open doors.

He worked long hours cleaning classrooms and lecture halls, but every penny he earned went toward his children’s future.

The Hidden Benefit That Changed Everything

In 1994, Fred discovered a little-known perk offered by Boston College:
Employees’ children could attend the university tuition-free, if accepted.

This wasn’t a publicized scholarship or grant; it was a benefit for workers at the university.

Fred made sure every one of his children applied and met the admission standards.

The hard work paid off.

A Family Legacy of Education

One by one, all five of Fred’s children were accepted into Boston College.
Thanks to the tuition waiver and their own scholarships, none of them owed a dime in college tuition.

This incredible opportunity saved the family an estimated $700,000.

Fred’s kids didn’t just attend college—they thrived. They graduated and went on to pursue successful careers in fields like medicine, law, and business.

The Man Behind the Mop

Fred’s story reminds us that no job is too small when it’s done with dignity and purpose.

He often worked the overnight shift, unseen by most, but his impact was felt everywhere.

A former colleague said:

“Fred was one of the hardest working, most dedicated people I’ve ever met. He wasn’t just cleaning floors — he was cleaning a path for his family.”

Words from Fred’s Family

One of Fred’s children shared:

“Our dad never wanted us to struggle like he did. He didn’t have fancy things, but he gave us the one thing that mattered—the chance to get an education and build a better life.”

Why This Story Matters Today

Fred’s journey isn’t just a feel-good anecdote. It’s a powerful lesson in:

• Sacrifice
• Perseverance
• Belief in the future

At a time when student debt has become a national crisis, Fred’s story is a beacon of hope that hard work and smart decisions can change lives.

What Can We Learn?

• Sometimes the most important benefits aren’t flashy—they’re quiet opportunities waiting to be discovered.
• Every job, no matter how humble, can build a foundation for greatness.
• Investing in the next generation pays off beyond dollars and cents.

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