Hendrickson ’89 volunteers as a Big Brother to help Central Minnesota boy

Spencer (left) and Kenny Hendrickson ’89 were paired through the Big Brother Big Sister program of Central Minnesota. They have started their eighth year together within the program. Submitted photo

If everyone did one small deed for someone else, the world would be a better place. Kenny Hendrickson ’89 is living this philosophy by helping form the lives and young minds of the struggling youth as a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Central Minnesota.

“That is why I love St. Cloud State’s tagline ‘Think. Do. Make a difference.’ I have been doing this for years and have seen so much joy and happiness in my ability to help change one person’s life,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson, associate director of Residential Life at St. Cloud State, started volunteering with the program as a student attending St. Cloud State about 14 years ago.

“I always loved the mission behind the program and they came to campus one day to educate us on more about their program. I was hooked,” Hendrickson said.

“Roughly ten years ago, when I moved back to Minnesota to be closer to my family, I decided I wanted something more to fulfill my life and I was given Spencer, my third Little Brother,” Hendrickson said.

Spencer was living with his mother and grandmother and had no real connection with his biological father. Spencer was struggling in school and having discipline issues. His mother enrolled him in the program and was paired with Hendrickson to see if they would be a good match.

“We had similar interests, hobbies and aspirations, and it was evident that Spencer had no male role models in his life. It was an obvious choice for me to serve as his mentor and Big Brother,” Hendrickson said.

The two spend their time together attending St. Cloud State events, fishing, swimming, going to the movies, bowling, playing tennis and spending time with Hendrickson’s extended family.

Starting their eighth year together, they have become closer than ever.

“He is a part of my family now,” Hendrickson said.

Three years ago, Spencer’s mom died unexpectedly. Hendrickson was with Spencer throughout the entire process.

After a year of living with his grandmother, she was not capable of caring for him. They decided to reach out to his biological father.

“This was a game changer,” Hendrickson said. “Spencer’s father was married with two boys as part of his family. He was happy to take Spencer in.”

Spencer now has a stepmother, loves his real father and adjusting to having siblings.

“He has been doing great. We have seen his confidence grow, little to no discipline at school, and he and I still keep our weekly commitment of getting together,” Hendrickson said. “It was almost as if we were meant to be together through this whole ordeal.”