An Illinois State University senior who planned to miss commencement for family reasons, has received a private send-off from the school's president.
ISU President Larry Dietz hosted Tom McDonald in his campus office Wednesday for a private commencement.
Both Dietz and McDonald dressed in academic regalia as the president presented the departing student with a diploma cover.
The private ceremony allows McDonald to honor his sister-in-law, an Iraq War veteran who is graduating Saturday from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
McDonald said his sister-in-law had to miss her high school graduation because of military training.
Illinois State University's graduation is Saturday.
