MANHATTAN —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas State University President Richard Myers Tuesday to confer a bachelor's degree upon Dennis Ruhnke of Troy, Kansas.
Dennis is the retired farmer who mailed the N-95 mask to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying the couple hoped it could be used by a doctor or nurse.
Governor Cuomo said, "this is humanity at it's best," and read the entire letter at his daily briefing as an example of courage and generosity in dark times.
According to Governor Kelly, "In 1971, Dennis was two credits away from earning his degree in agriculture when his father passed away. He chose to leave school to take care of his mother and the family farm. Dennis’ kindness and lifelong career in agriculture make him more than qualified to receive a degree."