Friday, May 8, 2020

Never a more deserving graduate

Our crumb for April 26 honored a retired Kansas farmer who sent his extra face mask to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with a letter asking that it be given to a health worker. Cuomo praised him during a daily briefing, and the farmer's generosity went viral. That's how Kansas Governor Laura Kelly heard about him. After checking, she learned he'd attended Kansas State University and was set to graduate in 1971, but his father died, and even though he only needed two more credits, he dropped out to take over the family farm. He long since gave up any hope of finishing his degree.

                                                                                         Nickolas Oatley
So she hosted a special graduation ceremony at the State House, just for him. She said he was not receiving an honorary degree, but a real one, since "his lifelong career in agriculture far exceeds the final credits he needed in 1971." Dennis said, "it would not have happened had I not mailed in that one N95 mask to Governor Cuomo. He urged others to pay it forward and continue helping those in need during this crisis.

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