Kevin was a student at Purdue University Calumet in the mid 2000’s.  Kevin was a boy who struggled in elementary, middle, and high school.  His struggles were long and hard, but his one goal which he never lost sight of was to get an education.  That was Kevin’s goal, and he always, always came back to that. He never lost sight of it, although he sometimes detoured from that goal.

When Kevin was a student at Purdue Calumet there was a spark in him that I hadn’t seen before. He attacked his goal with laser like focus.  Again, sometimes there were slight detours, but he always kept sight of his goal.  Kevin was so close to finishing this goal. He was a semester away from graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree. He was enrolled in classes set to begin January of 2013.  Unfortunately, on January 4th, 2013 Kevin’s dream would never become a reality. He passed away in his sleep.

 I am asking that Purdue University Calumet award my brother a degree posthumously.  I feel that this would finally bring his dreams full circle. It will also help my brother’s story continue. Kevin is not here to tell his story, and unfortunately as of now his story does not have a happy ending.  Perseverance was not able to overcome.  Awarding the degree posthumously will help.  While Kevin is not here to share his story in person, his story can live on through his legacy. By awarding Kevin a degree that he was so close to earning on his own while he is still alive will continue the legacy that hard work and perseverance does pay off.