Hello familia and friends! After almost five years of hard work, late nights filled with studying, deadlines, research and figuring life out through a global pandemic, Damian is graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a dual degree in Criminology and Easter European Studies with a focus on Russian Literature. During this time, he's also worked part-time and authored several research papers that focused on gender roles, the depiction of women and more in Russian film. We are incredibly proud of him and know that this journey took a village to get him through from the day he was born.

Life is unfolding and we can't wait to see what lies ahead. To celebrate this chapter in his life closing and a new one beginning, we'd like to send him off on a memorable trip to Europe to watch one of his favorite bands, Depeche Mode perform, and tour several countries at the end of July through mid-August.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your gift, for being there throughout the past 23 years (for him and for us) and for all of your love - near and far.

Love, Maribel and Emma