Walking around campus, you might notice the familiar sight of a distinguished gentleman in an electric wheelchair. He’s a mortician, leather-master, silversmith, jewelry-maker, knitter, basket-weaver, retired US Marshall, journalist, cancer survivor (prostate and breast) and now a student of the college. His name is John Drew.
Drew, a native of Kansas City, was born in 1934. Throughout his life, he has served the Kansas City community first as a mortician, earning his degree in mortuary science from Kansas City Community College in 1952, then as a U.S. Marshall serving both Kansas City and Chicago from 1964 until 1975. As a U.S. Marshall he served presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, all of whom he met personally. He has also been a civil rights leader and advocate working with the NAACP Youth Program for over 50 years.
Now retired and living comfortably at the Delmar Gardens retirement community, Drew decided to continue his lifelong love of learning by enrolling in a few classes at the college. Inspired by the warm reception the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) gave his cousin during a presentation she gave on “The Daughters of Nicodemus County,” Drew decided that the positive and encouraging atmosphere of the college would offer him a new challenge and the opportunity to engage socially with the younger generations.
“I was impressed with the kindness and sincerity of the people I met,” Drew said.
That was two years ago. Today, Drew charges his electric wheelchair and boards an early 6 a.m. bus to make his 8 a.m. silver-smithing class. The class is filled with artists of all ages and Drew relishes the interaction with students a quarter of his age.
“I never think about them being young,” Drew said. “Everyone is so nice and helpful. I’m inspired by young people. I enjoy learning.”
His professor, Sydney Pener, adjunct professor of fine art, welcomes his contribution to the classroom.
“He is an inspiration to all the students,” she said. “He is an amazing person.”
Drew is a member of the college’s Brown and Gold club. The club offers Kansas residents 55 years and older reduced fees and free tuition to classes as well as free social programs and educational trips for its members.
Drew didn’t know about the club before he attended the presentation two years ago. But now, he is one of its most vocal advocates. He has even inspired some his neighbors and staff at the Delmar Gardens to enroll at the college.
Drew continues to inspire and motivate every person that comes across his path. So, if you’re on campus and you see an elderly gentleman wheeling his way across campus, stop him and say hello. You may or may not get a story, but you will probably get inspired.
Contact Julius Williams, staff reporter at jwilli78@stumail.jccc.edu.