With college graduation ceremonies canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, 82-year-old Mae Rudd won’t be able to walk across the stage on her graduation day. She became a licensed nurse 62 years ago and spent her career working in hospitals. Mae always wanted to go back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. But with seven children to raise, she didn't have the time or the means.
When her husband, Kay, an insurance salesman, passed away in 2013, she decided the time was right to go to college. Mae’s granddaughter, Kaylee Rudd, was so proud of her grandma’s accomplishment, she wanted to find a creative way to celebrate her graduation at a distance. Find out what she did and how you can be a part of it.
How did Grandma Mae react when she learned the graduation ceremony was canceled?
Grandma was disappointed, but in true Grandma fashion she is not letting that get her down. When Grandma first decided to go back to school for her degree, she texted each of her children and asked them to promise her they would be there when she crossed the stage at graduation from Brigham Young University-Idaho. They all promised, and all were planning on coming. As the date got closer, Grandma planned a two-day celebration with all of her family and mailed out invitations complete with an itinerary, instructions for how to buy tickets to the ceremony, and the dress code.
Shortly after her invitations were sent, she learned that the ceremony would be canceled, and as things have progressed with COVID-19, she decided it would be best to cancel the celebration altogether. There will be a televised ceremony where all the names will be read, and she is planning on putting on her cap and gown, waiting to hear her name called, and moving her tassel.
Tell us about your letter-writing effort.
Before Grandma's ceremony was canceled, I was trying to think of creative ways I could celebrate her. Grandma will downplay her accomplishment, but I think it's pretty incredible that an 82-year-old woman is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and I don't want to let her get away with brushing it off like it's no big deal. I had thought of asking family and friends to write her letters, but once the ceremony was canceled I decided she needed to be recognized far and wide for her accomplishment.
I set out asking people to write Grandma letters to congratulate her, and — if they are feeling ambitious — to tell her what education means to them. I asked my classmates and professors first, then made a post on Instagram and Facebook asking my friends to contribute. I had a good response, but that still didn't feel like enough. Grandma needed even more people to know how amazing she is! I posted in a Facebook Neighborhood Buy Nothing group, and the response was huge. I was so touched that so many strangers were showing just as much enthusiasm about Grandma's graduation as I was and were willing to send a perfect stranger a card to congratulate her! I posted in a few other Facebook groups and the responses have been incredible.
About how many people have sent messages and letters so far?
So far we have about 40 letters and messages. I've invited people to send cards, emails, texts, or voice recordings, whatever is accessible, and many people have responded. I'm hoping for 100!
How did Grandma Mae respond to all the love?
So far it's still a surprise! All the letters are being collected by my parents, who live nearby, and will be gathered up and given to Grandma, along with a printout of all the electronic messages that have been sent. For audio recordings, my partner is putting together a message for her to listen to with all the voice messages.
If someone is moved by this story, how can they support Grandma Mae?
Send an email to kayleedel@gmail.com with an audio recording, message or request for a mailing address! Let Grandma Mae (or Grandma, Mae, Grandma Rudd, Mrs. Rudd) know you're proud of her and touched by her story, and if you can, tell her what education means to you. I will pass the message along to Grandma on her graduation day! If you can't send a message, or feel like doing something else to support Grandma Mae, take up a hobby you've always wanted to try but have been putting off for one reason or another. Give it a try! If an 82-year-old can go back to school and get a degree, you can learn to knit or draw or sing or anything else. Support Grandma Mae by following her example of chasing your dreams!
Anything I didn't ask you that you want to speak to?
Grandma loves her family, and would love for the world to know that she and her late husband, Kay Rudd, have seven children, 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa were married for more than 50 years before he passed. She has lived an amazing life and has an amazing legacy.
