Chicago, IL,
14
May
2018
|
16:52 PM
America/Chicago

Military Veteran Helps Victim of Chicago Street Violence Cross Graduation Stage

Contact: Keisha Dyson

GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY

Email: kdyson@govst.edu

Phone: 708-534-4044

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Military Veteran Helps Victim of Street Violence

Cross Graduation Stage

 An Inspirational Story of Unlikely Friendship

University Park, IL — Two Governors State University seniors and chemistry lab partners Terin D’amico and Dreyvon McCray, formed an unlikely bond in their chemistry classes that will be complete when they cross the stage at commencement on May 19 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

D’amico is a White male, in his early 50s, and a retired Army veteran. McCray is African American, and walks with a walker following a violent attack 11 years ago. McCray was a high school sophomore when he was jumped by three boys for his cell phone. Head injuries left him in a coma, fighting for his life. Chicago media outlets captured his recovery from a brain injury that left him with scoliosis and head shunt.

The students’ story of cross-generational friendship, hope, and triumph was recently reported by the Chicago Tribune and has achieved a viral reachand climbing—on the university’s Facebook page.

An overwhelming majority of the comments echo this one from Lillie Best: “What an awesome story. There should be more love like this in the world besides division of hatred.”

On Saturday, D’amico will help McCray cross one last hurdle—the graduation stage—before he sets out to study for his PhD at Notre Dame. McCray is applying to graduate programs.

Click here for the full story and photos.

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Governors State University serves 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students with degree programs that prepare them for success in business, industry, healthcare, the arts, and education. As a state university, GSU is committed to providing high-quality, accessible, and responsible higher education opportunities. GSU is located 35 miles south of Chicago in University Park, IL and committed to embracing diversity and academic excellence while transforming student passion into lifelong purpose.