Kenyan Southeast graduate shares mixed emotions at graduation

Saturday was both a joy and a sorrow for Willis O. Ayieko.

On the same day the Kenyan native walked across the stage at the Show Me Center to accept his degree, his heart and thoughts were thousands of miles away at his mother's funeral.

Ayieko was one of several international students recognized by Southeast Missouri State University president Ken Dobbins at the closing of Saturday's commencement ceremonies.

"Those are some of the differences our international students have," Dobbins said afterward. "It's not easy to get home. I understand and feel for Willis and his family."

As Ayieko was surrounded by well-wishers during the crowded reception after the commencement, he posed for photos and chatted with those congratulating him. But his eyes were moist and unblinking, holding back the mixture of emotions the day was bringing on him.

He earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a major in information systems and has attended SEMO his entire college career, he said. He intends to stay in the United States for a while longer before returning to Kenya.

"I intend to go for an advanced degree program, and then I'll go back," he said.

His degree was something his mother, Ruth Ayieko, had always encouraged him to pursue, Ayieko said.

His chiseled features and steady gaze at the reception mirrored both the melancholy of losing his mother and the pride in fulfilling her dream for him.

Dobbins supported Ayieko's presence at graduation.

"I know your mother would be very proud of you," he said.

mwells@semissourian.com

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