Unsung Hero - Umberto "Suru" Ripai, Food & Service Worker at Leo O'Donovan Dining Hall

"I was born in Southern Sudan. I left my country in 1965 and spent 21 years of my life living in west Africa - especially in Liberia. Life here [in America] is nice… I really miss my home. I haven’t been back to Southern Sudan in a long time - almost 45 years..

I have been here at Georgetown for over 20 years now. One of my favorite memories here at Georgetown was attending the Abissa show on campus.. They have a showcase every year that really reminds me of my home country. When I went to the show, the students were so happy to see me! It brings tears to my eyes when I watch the students dance and celebrate our culture.. just to share my identity and reconnect with some of the students and get in touch with my culture again ..makes me see that this is my home now.."

Help us fund Suru's trip back home to visit his family.

The money donated will be used to pay for a round trip back for Suru to South Sudan.

Thank you for any contribution you can make to our goal

Note: Funds excess of our goal will be given to Suru to help him fund additional trips back to Sudan and 10% of the contributions over $2500 will go to the Unsung Heroes Organization fund- which will be used for future projects and for costs associated with marketing and sharing the stories of workers like Suru.