Leaving his family in Kenya to pursue academic degrees at Trinity College in Ontario, Canada as well as the University of Cincinnati in the United States, Sam Obura's dream ended suddenly when his scholarship was retracted. The sudden change of plans left him with little room to finish his dissertation, which sadly was left in the States. 

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Upon his return home, he pursued a successful career working as a Kenyan government official. When the opportunity arose to visit his daughter, Sally Mallowa, as she graduated with her PhD from Iowa State university, Mr. Obura, together with his daughters traveled for the occasion. Obura never forgot about his Constitutional Development in Kenya thesis he left in the States, which allowed for a nice surprise when it was presented to him by the University of Cincinnati's president. 

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After 48 years, Sam Obura, finally walked the stage, receiving not only his thesis but masters certificate, a once in a lifetime event.