Remembering Dr. Thomas K. Hearn Jr.

Dr. Hearn and I had a complex relationship. He disliked being photographed (this is putting it mildly), but of course it was part of my job to photograph him as often as possible. And I would do my job, until he gave me "the look," and then I would move on to a different subject. It worked out surprisingly well, actually. I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, always looking for a good photo without spooking him too much. (There was a magazine cover from several years ago, with a very tight shot of Dr. Hearn taken at a reception in the Green Room. I was very pleased when I showed him the cover, and he said he had no idea that I was taking his picture that day.) I am reminded of Dr. Hearn every day when I look at my bulletin board, for I have a photo of the two of us taken at his last Commencement -- I finally got someone else to hold the camera for a minute. I do miss him.

— Ken Bennett
November 26, 2008 - 02:40 PM

The family of Dr. Hearn will remain in my thoughts and prayers for much time to come as they grieve the loss of such a special person. The Wake Forest Family will also grieve the great loss of Dr. Hearn who was passionate about his love for the University and its commitment to so many aspects of the journey of living.

Gin Reid Blair Hall
WFU '77

— Gin Reid Blair Hall
September 08, 2008 - 04:42 PM

Laura, I just heard about the passing of your husband, and I just want you to know how deeply sorry I am to hear about it. I know that he was a wonderful man, and my thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family. He will be greatly missed by you and those many people whose life he touched over the years.
I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
May Angels watch over all of you!
Elna Riley Brendel

— Elna Brendel
September 05, 2008 - 10:40 PM

So much of WFU's successes can be attributed to President Hearn's hard work. He is greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family.

— Kyle and Noelle Cutts
August 28, 2008 - 11:36 PM

I was Old Gold and Black editor Dr. Hearn's second year as president; needless to say we gave him a terrible time every week on the editorial pages, but he always took it in stride. Several years after I graduated, I returned to work at Wake Forest. When I saw him for the first time after returning, he said something like "you're lucky I have a short memory." But he laughed and all was forgiven.

It was a privilege to work at Wake Forest during his tenure and to see all the growth and positive changes that took place. Recent graduates and students may not fully understand or appreciate how far Wake Forest came during his presidency, but he will go down as one of Wake Forest's great presidents.

For the last year, I had the honor of working with him on his book of Commencement speeches, "On this day of endings and beginnings," that was published shortly before his death. Those speeches really give a wonderful insight into him as a person. I was looking forward to future projects with him, and will miss him. My deepest sympathies to Laura Hearn and his family, and to his longtime assistant, Carolyn Dow.

Kerry M. King ('85)

— Kerry M. King
August 28, 2008 - 05:19 PM

We will greatly miss the presence of
one of Wakes greatest contributors.

— Pam Goforth
August 28, 2008 - 10:02 AM

I am deeply saddened to learn of President Hearn's passing. He was a pillar of strength and compassion. I have incredibly fond memories of frequently passing him on the quad and being met with an enthusiastic hello and welcome smile. He will be greatly missed.

— Katherine S. Cates ('02 BA, '08 MAED)
August 27, 2008 - 08:25 PM