Dying man gets to fulfill wish of seeing son graduate, thanks to university’s kindness
When Collin Brown went off to study engineering at the University of Minnesota four years ago, he didn’t realize his whole life would change in a matter of months.
After his father, Ken Brown, 54, was diagnosed with ALS in February 2014, Ken’s one wish was to see both his children graduate from college.
He made it to the graduation of his daughter, Keegan, in 2015, but doctors weren’t as optimistic that he’d make it to Collin’s graduation on May 13.
After Collin’s mother, Patti Brown, posted the devastating news online, a family friend reached out to the university’s president, Eric Kaler. Within days, a graduation ceremony just for Collin was being planned.
“My dad is an industrial engineer, and he’s the reason why I decided to major in engineering,” Collin, 22, told Yahoo News. “It was important to me for my dad to see me get my diploma.”
While his mom invited family and even passed out invitations at church, Collin didn’t invite any of his classmates because he didn’t need anyone else there. He’d have his dad, and that was enough.
“I couldn’t believe the support we received from the university,” Patti told Yahoo News. “It was really incredible.”
About 35 people gathered at president Kaler’s residence on March 20 to watch Collin receive his diploma. After Kaler gave a moving speech, which he didn’t get through without tearing up, Collin shared a few words and thanked everyone for coming.
“It was a pretty emotional event,” Kaler told Yahoo News. “It personally caused me to reflect on being both a father and a son.”
Collin still plans to attend the university’s graduation in May with the rest of his classmates and hopes his dad will be able to join him.
Either way, Collin knows his dad will be guiding him every step of the way as he starts his engineering career come June.
“My dad’s whole mentality has had a big influence on me,” Collin said. “I’m so happy he was able to see me fulfill my education.”
