Letter from HSU Alumni re: Dr. Dunn Funeral Services

Earlier today (Wednesday), I received the following email. I am sharing it here for anyone that knew Dr. Dunn. He will be missed.

Hello Reddies and Friends, The last few days have been quite somber as we mourned the loss of our beloved 14th President, Dr. Charles DeWitt Dunn.  As mentioned in a previous email, Dr. Dunn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about a year ago.  Dr. Dunn passed away on Sunday, May 5th. I have heard many times, the stories of how Dr. Dunn touched the lives of our students on a personal level.  He knew their names, he asked about their families and he continually encouraged them.  I have also been told that he dropped by dorm rooms following ball games, just to chat.  The comments from Reddies and friends, during and since the Run for Dunn, reiterated the common thread woven throughout the tenure of Dr. Dunn- he was dearly loved by our students who are now alumni as well as the students he was teaching just prior to his illness; he garnered respect and admiration from those he hired, mentored and befriended.  Other alumni who were students on campus prior to Dr. Dunn’s presidency  have also shared heartwarming stories over the years, of a president who reached out and connected with them as well.  Charles DeWitt Dunn left his mark, and for many, it is an indelible mark on our hearts. I respectfully ask that you remember Dr. Dunn’s widow, Dr. Jane Dunn, throughout this sorrowful time.  During what must surely be the most difficult time of her life, she comforted me.  She is a strong woman who will survive losing the love of her life, but she will certainly fare better knowing all Reddies are remembering her and standing beside her, whether it be physically, or in spirit, Reddie Spirit.  I also ask that you remember Dr. Dunn’s father, Charles Dunn and Dr. Dunn’s children, their spouses and his grandchildren. You are welcome to view the live webcast of the memorial service which will be available approximately 15 minutes prior to the memorial on Thursday. Webcast Memorial for Dr. Charles D. Dunn Visitation: Wednesday, May 8, 6:00 pm Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home 517 Clay Street Arkadelphia Memorial Service: Thursday, May 9, 1:00 pm Arkansas Hall, HSU Campus Reddie Rides and vans will be shuttling our guests to and from Arkansas Hall from the parking lot behind Arkansas Hall as well as the lots near Smith Dorm and the BCM. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Charles D. Dunn Scholarship in care of the HSU Foundation HSU Box 7550 Arkadelphia, AR  71999 I am including links to Dr. Dunn’s obituary and other information: http://www.ruggleswilcox.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2082571&fh_id=13240 http://www.hsu.edu/interior2.aspx?id=19624 In Reddie Spirit, Sherry  ~~~ Sherry Wright Alumni Coordinator Henderson State University Email: wrights@hsu.edu Follow me on Twitter @HSUAlumni