I think this photo speaks volumes about the genuine love and affection LGO / LFM students felt for Don. It just happened to be me in the spot helping to hold Don up on the day of my class’s graduation, but it could have been any other student or alum in my place, with the same palpable sense of joy.
I believe there had been some scheduling mishap for our class’s official graduation photo that day, so the one with Don being held up by my classmates and me was an impromptu photo. I don’t recall who suggested holding Don up for the photo, but I do recall there was enthusiastic and unanimous agreement that this was a really good idea. Don, of course, was game and didn’t hesitate a second to play along.
That moment of joy encapsulates so much about Don and his positive impact on so many people. From day 1 of the LFM program, we never had any confusion about who our biggest advocate and cheerleader was. Don’s enthusiasm and affection for the students was infectious, and the students loved him back.