Kansas farmer who donated face mask to New York governor finally gets college diploma

The Kansas farmer who donated a face mask to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help fight coronavirus just got something in return.

Dennis Ruhnke, who lives in Troy, Kansas, received a college diploma from Kansas State University on Tuesday. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and K-State President Richard Myers conferred the bachelor’s degree upon Ruhnke during a ceremony at the state Capitol.

The northeast Kansas farmer gained attention when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo highlighted his contribution of an N-95 respirator mask for a doctor or nurse to use. The governor of the state hit with the most COVID-19 deaths in the country called Ruhnke’s actions “humanity at its best.”

Ruhnke was two credits away from completing his degree at Kansas State University when his father died in 1971, Kelly tweeted. He left school to care for his mother and family farm and didn’t return, she said.

“Dennis’ kindness and lifelong career in (agriculture) make him more than qualified to receive a degree,” Kelly tweeted.

Ruhnke said many people have sent him letters of support and appreciation for his gift, The Mercury reported.

“Just pay it forward as much as you can afford to do so,” he said, according to the newspaper. “To honor all of those who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus, and also honor the first responders who, in some cases, have even lost their own lives in the line of duty — the ultimate sacrifice.”

This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 3:51 PM.