When your heart needs warming, read this

Pierre on masters ceremony day at Clarkson. Photo: Jackie Sauter

Six years ago, Pierre arrived in the North Country for his first semester at Canton College. He had left his remote village in equatorial Cameroon to land in Syracuse, temperature -10F. Like so many people across this globe, he was motivated by a desire to improve his life and the lives of his family members. (See full story of Pierre’s amazing journey here.)

The first few years were bumpy. Pierre does not come from a wealthy family, and there is no scholarship money in the U.S. for international undergraduates. But, with the help of friends he made here, and through his own fierce focus and strong work ethic, he made it through Canton College a year and a half ago.

Pierre with Clarkson University President Tony Collins. Photo: Ellen Rocco

On Saturday, friends joined Pierre to celebrate the most recent chapter in his  progress: Pierre was awarded a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson. Working with advisor Dr. Ortmeyer through a research assistanceship, and thanks to financial help from Clarkson University, Pierre is now poised to begin working with an American company here in New York State.

From his first semesters at Canton College to present time, Pierre has found ways to give back to the communities that have nurtured him. Two years ago, he helped found Against All Odds: Outreach for Learning, an NGO that is providing scholarships and supplies to the six little elementary schools based in his home village of Baligham. Lately, he’s been exploring ways to send used textbooks to high schools in Bamenda, a small Cameroonian city near Baligham.

So what warms my heart about Pierre is his instinctive inclination to play it forward, to take the impact of community generosity beyond himself. We’re very proud of you, Pierre.

Here are a few more photos from the big day (all photo credits Jackie Sauter or Ellen Rocco).

Linda Potter, Barb Brown, Pierre, Rev. Mike Catanzaro–Pierre with Canton Presbyterian congregation friends (plus, Barb works at Clarkson).

Proud mama Ellen gives Pierre congratulatory kiss.

With Jackie and Bob Sauter (and neighbors MJ and Phil in the background).

In front of masters ceremony stage. (Note Cameroonian flag.)

Long distance shot of Pierre on stage–and on screen–receiving his masters from President Collins.

Congratulations, Pierre–and other December graduates at local colleges.