It was easier to stay silent than to write this, and I don’t
know how far I’ll get.
I haven’t written many stories lately because I made it a
rule way back in June that the next thing I wrote about would be to ask if TCC
would consider awarding David Lowe his degree posthumously.
David Lowe was my student at TCC in 2006 and again in 2009-10;
he was a Vietnam Vet and an avid outdoorsman and disability activist, but the one
thing he really wanted to accomplish in life was to complete his degree so that
he could get a job helping other Veterans.
I’ve done this before, and TCC said yes -- the story became
Marvin’s Book: The Story of a Professor and a Promise. The money from Marvin’s Book (at least $100 a
month) was promised to TCC to create a scholarship – The Hero Scholarship -- for
David Lowe to return to school.
David’s chronic health issues kept him from completing a
single semester back, but he was pleased that other student Veterans have
received – and continue to receive - help in his name.
A graduation without a graduate is a bittersweet thing,
almost overwhelming to imagine, but to let David’s story go untold would be
sadder still.
(continued)
*********
RANSOMING DAVID (PICTURE FROM 2 OF THE 6 TRIPS)
COOL SHINY MAN
THE LAST TIME I SAW DAVID
MARVIN'S BOOK
