Special edition in memory of Patty Bennett iWL
Gardner-Webb University
THE PILOT
Memories
of Patty
see page 3
No. 3 October 4,1994
The Official Campus Newsp^jer
Boiling Springs, NC
Tragic accident takes student's life
by Jason Farr
editor
On Saturday, September 24, five students
from Gardner-Webb were involved in a tragic
accident that included one fatality.
Patricia (Patty) Bennett, a sophomore
from Westchester, Pennsylvania died as a re
sult of injuries suffered in the automobile ac
cident. Others injured in the accident included
James Nickell, Gakunga Mburu, Dana Jones
and Heather Love.
James is still in Carolina's Medical Cen
ter in Charlotte. Gakunga is back on campus
and Heather and Dana were both treated and
released.
A memorial service for Patty was held
in the Dover Chapel on Tuesday, September
27. Many of Patty's friends spoke out about
her life, Clayton King had written a song in
her honor and Dr. White delivered inspirational
words of encouragement for others to remem
ber.
The University provided a means for stu
dents to travel to Patty's funeral in Pennsylva
nia. A chartered bus departed on Wednesday,
September 28 at 5:00 am. All who attended
were excused from classes and were provided
with meals on the trip.
Patty's parents have asked that in lieu of
flowers, donations be made to a scholarship
fund that they have established.
Donations should be sent to:
Patty Bennett Memorial Scholarship
% Downington National Bank Trust
701 East Lancaster Avenue
Downington, Pennsylvania 19335.
As a constant reminder to all who walked this
campus, the flags representing our nation and our
university flew at half-mast from Monday through
Thursday. In the light of this tragedy the faculty, staff,
and administrative personnel have reached out to all
who felt the effects of losing a dear friend
University response defines motto
fered by the other students involved.
by Michael Owens
staff writer
As its motto, the university has coined
the phrase, “People Who Care.” After the
tragic accident which took the life of one of
our own, the administration sought to live up
to this often quoted expression.
When the accident happened, both Dean
Scott and Wayne Johnson were out of town.
Left to handle the situation was Vice Presi
dent of University Relations, Scoot Dixon.
After checking on the students involved, it was
his responsibility to inform the parents.
Mr. Dixon was the first University ad
ministrator to speak with Patty's parents.
Dixon said making the call was very difficult,
but, “I had the easy call. Those receiving the
news had the tough call.”
Dean Scott arrived back into town around
11 pm that night. He and Wayne Johnson then
began to coordinate the effort to keep both stu
dents and parents informed of the injuries suf-
Sunday was an emotionally draining day
for the campus as a whole. To help students
and faculty deal with their feelings and emo
tions, counselors were on hand.
In an attempt to provide students with
safe transportation to Patty's funeral service
in Pennsylvania, the administration provided
a chartered bus, at no charge, for any who de
cided to go. Dean Scott had the cafeteria open
at 5 am on Wednesday morning to make break
fast and lunch for those traveling to Pennsyl
vania. Then he met with those going and had
a word of prayer.
The whole incident was described by
Scott as “very tragic, very unfortunate.” But
even out of a sad and difficult situation can
good evolve. Already one person in Patty's
hometown has accepted Christ.
This truly has been a very difficult time
for everyone at GWU. But fortunately when
dealing with this, there have been no solo he
roes, for it has truly been a team effort of
“People Who Care.”
To a Special Friend
Patty you were a tennis star
but now you are an evening star.
I think of you still being here
your life to all was so very dear.
Even though I greatly miss you
I hope you'll watch over us all
from up in the endless sky so blue
and dust us off when we fall.
1 don't view your death as a loss
and in eternity I can only hope
again our paths will cross.
Until then I pray we all can cope
because not to know you at all
would've been a greater loss to recall
than knowing your happy smile
that now in Heaven paints every mile!
Author Unknown
In Memory of
Patricia (Patty) Bennett
June 6, 1975 - September 24, 1994
“Out of our hands and into the hands
ofGod.”