A long-awaited degree

Dan Cylkowski had a long road to his University of Minnesota degree. He always wanted to be a carpenter, so he enrolled in vocational school after high school. After two weeks of that, he enlisted and served our country proudly in the US Army in World War II, and like many, attended college on the GI bill at the University of Minnesota.

Dan Cylkowski, US Army, 1940s

Dan Cylkowski, US Army, 1940s

Dan was hoping to be part of the architecture program but needed to start in the General College. By the spring of 1947, he thought he had finished all requirements for an associate of arts degree. He had tickets for his family to attend commencement but there was a fee and he needed to work that day, so he didn’t attend, assuming the University would mail his diploma. He later found out he hadn’t graduated due to a missing requirement: he could not afford to pay for the medical exam that was required at the time.

Mr. Cylkowski continued to work in carpentry. He got married to his wife, now of 68 years, and together they had two sons. Since retirement, he keeps himself busy with yard work and projects around his house. Now, at 94 years old, his granddaughter Alicia (a third-generation Gopher) encouraged him to push for his U of M diploma. She reached out to the College of Liberal Arts to find out whether it was possible to make his dream come true. He still had original documentation to support his case! After some teamwork and research between CLA, CEHD, and OTR, we waived the medical requirement and OTR posted an associate of arts degree to Mr. Cylkowski’s record backdated to 1947.

All the excitement inspired Emily Holt to run over to the bookstore and pick up a diploma cover and U of M baseball cap for the new graduate. All members of OTR signed a card for him (“from his fans in the Office of the Registrar”) and a surprise package was on its way.

Mr. Cylkowski was very excited to receive his package and bring resolution to an earlier chapter in his life.

Dan Cylkowski in 2019 with his diploma and UMN cap

Dan wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks, which is available to read in full below. It is truly rewarding to make a difference in a student's life!

To the staff at the registrar office of the University of Minnesota.

Dear friends;

Imagine my surprise when I saw a box from the University of Minnesota at my front door. I immediately knew this was it. My degree from the U of M. After many years of delaying the process of applying for it, my degree was finally coming to me. I didn’t attend the graduation ceremony in 1947 because I couldn’t afford the requirement of a physical before graduation. Thanks to all the individuals who spend so much time and effort to research the graduation process my prayers were answered. I am tremendously grateful to each and every one of  you and will never forget what you did for a 94 year old World War II veteran. Thanks again and God bless each and every one of you.
 

In addition to receiving my degree I was really thrilled to receive the university cap that was included in the box. Thank you ever so much for your generosity. I love it and will wear it with pride. 

Sincerely,

Dan Cylkowski