This week, Ruby Robinson received a special “congratulations” at her graduation ceremony from Columbia University’s Engineering School. Her father, a U.S. Army Captain, surprised Ruby on stage right after she was presented her degree from the school’s dean and the university’s president.
In video captured by the university, Captain Keith Robinson tells Ruby “Congratulations, young lady,” before giving her a massive hug. Ruby smiles widely before bursting into tears.
“To have him here in the flesh means so much to me,” Ruby told Columbia’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs following the ceremony. “I didn’t expect it all. I didn’t think it was possible. I’m so happy about it.”
Robinson told his daughter two weeks earlier he wouldn’t be able to make it. He’s been deployed for the past six months in Afghanistan, according to the school’s post.
Robinson flew 14.5 hours from Kuwait to Washington, D.C., followed by a flight to Denver, before returning to New York for the big day.
“I haven’t had time to stop and think about it myself,” Robinson said. “But when I saw her, it was like … it was all worth it.”
article via thegrio.com