A fellow Viking was tragically and prematurely taken from us.
His name was Dwight Clark. He was a freshman, just beginning his college career. Just beginning his life.
On September 26, he left a party to return to his dorm. He never arrived.
Over the last week and a half, the community of Bellingham, and within it, the Western Vikings, have banded together in a powerful display of love and compassion in an attempt to safely bring Dwight home. This morning, he was found. In spite of the efforts of everyone involved, he had not survived.
I didn't know Dwight. But he was one of us...even if only for a short time. Those of you who also are or were students at Western understand how it's one of those campuses where everyone seems to know everyone else. There are few degrees of separation. Dwight was part of us all.
This is also one of those times where I reflect on my time at Western...and I am painfully aware that this could have easily been me. Or any one of my friends. Someone earlier said it well: we had a false sense of security. Bellingham has a nice small-town feel, and a close community. You would never expect that something bad could possibly happen. But it's always possible.
So please, no matter where you live, be safe. Take care of yourself; take care of your friends.
And tonight, keep Dwight, and his family and all his friends in your thoughts and prayers.
"From those who never knew you,
From those who tried to find you,
From those who could've been you,
From those who will remember you."
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