Dr. Clyde Cook

Mr. Biola had a heart attack and went home to be with our Lord on Friday evening. It came so unexpectedly- and really I don't know that it's impact has hit the Biola community at this point. It's amazing to me how God's grace allowed Dr. Cook to enjoy all the Centennial celebrations, and also that Biola really is okay at at this point, in terms of Dr. Corey's recent innaguration.

Dr. Cook will always carry a legacy at Biola, and I hope to be one to celebrate that legacy as I live out my life in a way I believe he would be proud of. How many college campuses would actually sell out "I <3 Clyde" shirts? So often a leader, often a president, will take the grunt and really annoying grievances of everyones whinning- but Dr. Cook's was so cherished at Biola. He was cherished because of his deep and sincere love for Biola and Biola students. He was such a humble man, who never walked around with a sense of being better than anyone else. I would never have been intimidated or felt out of place to walk up and greet Dr. Cook, if he hadn't taken the initiative to greet me first.
I can remember one time I was wearing an OREGON sweatshirt in the Caf...he came up and asked me if I had transferred or was just from Oregon. He then started asking me all kinds of questions, taking a sincere interest in who I was and what I was studying at Biola. One might think it would be akward for a student of 5,000 to engage in chatter with their university president, but Dr. Cook would make it not so.
If the Lord ever graces my life to be in a position of leadership in which it would be easy to "forget the little people" as is basically expected in our society, I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring Dr. Cook to my remembrance- that I would be reminded of his example of humility and kindness, never allowing even a air of pride about him.
I thank you Lord for the investment this man made to lead and maintain Biola, which you have used to be a powerful season in my life.