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By Jerri Whitner, Student Contributor

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Dr. Andy Busroe

On the Tuesday of September 13, 2016, the students, faculty, staff, and family gathered to honor and remember, Dr. Jonathan “Andy” Busroe who died unexpectedly on September 8, 2016. Dr. Busroe was employed as the Director of the McGaw Library and Learning Center at Alice Lloyd College, in addition to teaching Political Science classes for 21 years. In those years he served the college and community well in multiple capacities. Dr. Busroe had strong passion for U.S. history and annually conducted a Constitution Day convocation, which this year was scheduled for Tuesday, September 13. Many ALC faculty, staff and students agreed that a memorial should be held to honor Dr. Busroe.

During the service several pictures were displayed, songs were sung by the Voices of Appalachia, and stories were told by faculty, staff, and students regarding Dr. Busroe’s positive attitude and entertaining humor. Throughout the campus many people knew Dr. Busroe as an amusing guy who was always full of life; his joy and knowledge were often described as contagious. Executive Vice President, Jim Stepp, said of him, “There were always two things I knew would happen when I talked to Andy. First, I would learn something new, and second I would laugh.” As the service went on many speakers had similar words to say. Dr. Busroe was always willing to take on multiple responsibilities to serve the college, including representing ALC with the Appalachian College Association, AIKCU (Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities), on our accreditation committee, and even as our yearbook photographer.

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Faculty, staff, and students speak at memorial service.

Dr. Busroe’s service and commitment to ALC earned admiration from all those around him. His door was always open to students and he was willing to stop everything to talk or help anyone that came his way. The faculty and staff respected Dr. Busroe for many of the same reasons. Most of the employees live on campus and Dr. Busroe would always make a point to stop and share friendly conversation- and usually a funny story. Mr. Scott Cornett, the Dean of Students, described Dr. Busroe the best when he said, “He lived a wonderful life, he touched so many lives on this campus, past and present.”

The entire Eagle family was saddened by the loss of one of its members. However, by coming together to commemorate Andy Busroe’s life, everyone found encouragement in the reading of scriptures, the singing of songs, the telling of stories, and by Dr. Busroe’s favorite Star Wars quote, “You can’t stop change any more than you can stop the sun from setting.” Dr. Busroe’s passing is difficult, but his college family is grateful to have served alongside humorist, educator, librarian, and good friend, Andy Busroe.