A group of Colby college students got together and raised funds to help one of their classmate's' mother to be a part of her son's college graduation ceremony.
Jean-Jacques (JJ) Ndayisenga's mother lives in northern Rwanda and has never stepped out of the house. She wanted to visit her son in Mayflower Hill, an impossile dream as it costs thousands of dollars.
Three nights before the actual commencement, Ndayisenga was invited to a classmate's house in Waterville for dinner, with the promise of a surprise awaiting him. When he reached his friend's place and opened the door he found his mother, Julienne Nyiraebarinda and Brother Cyriaque Harelimana, standing right in front of him along with a dozen of his closest friends.
"I was just incredible," said Ndayisenga of the surprise. "It was hard to believe that people care that much about me. It shows that this isn't just a normal friendship that we share."
He was "stunned at first," said Shany Tropper . "He actually doubled over, almost to his knees. Everyone there was crying."
Classmate Cara Saunders came up with the idea, five months ago. Along with Tropper, and Chiran Bhandari, they sent out an e-mail to the campus community and outside seeking funds. They collected more than $4,500 from 30 to 40 people, including students, students' parents and grandparents and alumni.
Ndayisenga left home six years ago to pursue his education. At Colby he was named the Student Government Association treasurer last year and was chosen as Mr. Colby at the annual Mr. Colby Contest this spring, after emerging a winner in a series of competitions such as talent, Q&A and swimsuit rounds.
Following his commencement ceremony, Ndayisenga posted this message on Facebook. "I will prove you wrong if you think that there is a place with a better community than Colby's. Never!" he wrote. "Congrats 2013, and thank you so much Colby for all you have given me: you all people are truly amazing!"
