Remembering Dr. Thomas K. Hearn Jr.

I am a friend of Dr. Hearns son Tom,
It was with great sorrow that I heard about the passing of such a learned and accomplished man. Truly Dr. Hearn made historically accomplishments during his tenure at WFU, accomplishments which will influence students and faculty long after his passing.
God rest his soul.

— Joe Venturelli
August 25, 2008 - 12:49 PM

I am a friend of Dr. Hearn's son, Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew and loved this generous and wonderful man. Dr. Hearn's life was rich and he gave so much to all around him. He will be remembered, I am sure, for many, many years.

— Carole Guinane
August 25, 2008 - 09:23 AM

As I read the comments about Tom's influence and personal involvement with persons over many years, I am thankful to God for his life and how it touched so many for good.
I met Tom at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where we were students in 1961 and was delighted to learn that we were distant cousins. I followed his career with interest and appreciation but without surprise.

To Tom's family: my condolences and my thanks for what you did to help make Tom's life a beacon of inspiration. Matt Patton

— matthew h. patton
August 25, 2008 - 08:38 AM

Dr. Hearn was a transformational leader for Wake Forest University during his long and successful tenure, and will certainly be missed. I still remember coming to campus as a freshman and listening to him speak about the new college experience. He challenged our class to "try new things" and to "push yourself out of that comfort zone." I never forgot those words during my four years, and tried my best to take them to heart. I was so impressed with his love and admiration for the university and its traditions. Upon meeting him, my parents knew that Wake Forest was a special place because of the personable faculty and many different opportunities. That was a direct reflection on his leadership and strong rapport with people. We would like to send our depest regrets to Dr. Hearn's family.

— Nicholas S. Newcomb, '08
August 24, 2008 - 01:07 PM

I had the honor of performing in a gala of Gilbert and Sullivan music for President Hearn during my senior year. I played the Major General from The Pirates of Penzance, which he told me had always been a favorite role of his. I'll never forget what he told me after the performance was over. We had brought him joy for that evening and allowed him to forget about everything he was suffering through at the time.

That gala was one of the highlights of my Wake Forest experience. I still think that that performance was perhaps the greatest feat I had ever accomplished; brining someone that much happiness, even as temporary as it was.

— Patrick Walsh '05
August 24, 2008 - 12:14 AM

This week, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Hearn. I had the pleasure of working with him as the Student Trustee from 2002 to 2003.

TK was a man who never stopped working for the betterment of Wake Forest University. He spoke often of students and graduates taking our liberal arts education, the opportunities provided us by Wake Forest and living up to the University's motto: Pro Humanitate, a motto he too lived out every day of his life.

TK will be missed immensely, but all of his efforts, all of his work, all of the energy he gave to propel Wake Forest into the 21st century will never be forgotten. May he rest forever in peace, knowing that his life truly was for the good of humanity.

— Sean Prince
August 23, 2008 - 08:45 PM

Dr. Hearn was a great person and I am thankful to have known him.

— Sebastian Ehreiser
August 23, 2008 - 09:18 AM