Volume VII-Mai-XXMM
I’ve been blessed beyond measure by the responses from you who enjoy and engage with this little “pet project” of mine. The story a couple of weeks ago about the farmer in Kansas who sent a precious N95 mask to the governor of New York was a very special story because so many of you, from such different perspectives, had strong reactions to his selflessness and generosity.
And now there’s another layer to that beautiful story… it turns out that Dennis the farmer went to college and was just two credit hours short of his degree in Agriculture Studies at Kansas State University when his father passed away in 1971. He did what most sons would, and went home to take care of his mother and the family farm. He never returned to college to complete the degree he was so close to attaining.
The Kansas State University President and the Governor of the State of Kansas took note when they heard of Dennis Ruhnke sending the letter and mask to Governor Cuomo… and on Tuesday of this week conferred the degree Dennis walked away from nearly a half-century ago. In a statement by Governor Laura Kelly, “Dennis’ kindness and lifelong career in agriculture make him more than qualified to receive a degree.” I would agree; we would agree.
Dennis Ruhnke accepted his degree wearing overalls and a Kansas State t-shirt (of course he did) and he continued his selfless act of giving in the remarks he made at the ceremony:
“I’ve waited half a century to receive my college degree and had pretty much resolved any chance of getting it. It would not have happened had I not mailed in that one N95 mask to Governor Cuomo for a first responder in March. I guess they call it karma. Many of those who wrote to me asked how they could help. Just pay it forward as much as you can afford to do so to honor all those who have lost their lives to the C19 virus. And also, to honor the first responders who in some cases even lost their own lives in the line of duty, the ultimate sacrifice. Nearly half of the many letters I received said that they were moved to tears when Gov. Cuomo read my letter aloud. My life is forever changed. Special thanks to those of you who made this all happen for me.”
It’s nice to see the good guys win. And it’s great to be reminded that sometimes things don’t work out how we’d planned… but they still work out, when the time is right.
