For anyone who has ever lost a relative or friend, you probably know that initial sinking feeling in your stomach, and how the first thing you wonder is "how did this happen?". You might sift through all of the memories you have with the person you lost and share them with the people who also knew them. Losing a loved one is never easy, but somehow we grow and conquer the grief that sets in.
On May 12th, 2018 my college's president, Dr. Richard E. Wylie, better known as "Doc", passed away. Our Endicott community (of past and present students) is shattered and grieving the loss of the man who first welcomed us onto our campus and provided us with the first sense of home and belonging at our home away from home. He was the kind of president who listened to our requests and had one-on-one conversations with all of the students on campus. He was the kind of president who got to know you in a genuine, "I want to know you" kind of way, and who always made you feel heard. He was the kind of president who embraced change and encouraged his students to do the same. He provided words of wisdom, advice, and always told the best stories. I will never forget attending a Halloween event on campus my sophomore year where he told ghost stories, or the many times he invited the whole campus to his mansion "Beechwood" for BBQ dinners and an ice cream bar. Doc was a devoted president students looked up to, appreciated, and will remember for the rest of their lives.
Doc, you shaped my life, my college education, and who I am as a person in more ways than one. It's hard to believe that the man who once hosted BBQs and was seen walking around campus in the spring will not be there to welcome our Gull family back to the nest in September. I would like to thank you for all the work you did to instill positive change, encouragement, love, acceptance, and growth on our very own campus. I will never forget you or your story about being moved up to first class on a flight because of your kindness and patience. The first time I heard you tell that story, I sat in the gymnasium at orientation, hoping I would fit in at Endicott come September. When I walk across that stage next May, I will remember that story once more, and I will be inspired to rise above when times are tough once more. Thank you for your kindness, care, and optimism even when you were faced with challenges. Your legacy will live on for years to come, and I am so grateful that I had the chance to meet you.
Doc was special and we will miss him always. Once a Gull, always a Gull. Rest in peace.
