×

Developing friendships

Students at Davis & Elkins College form deep and abiding friendships that last a lifetime. These friendships are central to the transformative experience this College offers every young man and woman who sets foot on campus. Recently, in powerful fashion, I witnessed how strong and lasting those bonds of friendship truly are.

At the end of World War II, Bob arrived at D&E as a freshman. Two years later Jack traveled to the West Virginia mountains and enrolled at his future alma mater. Bob and Jack became dear friends, even becoming College roommates. They lived together in Graceland, which at the time, housed male students. Bob and Jack graduated from D&E in 1949 and 1951 respectively. Bob went on to a teaching career in higher education in West Virginia, while Jack entered the business world and eventually settled in California. As their life journeys unfolded, they kept in touch for many years and nurtured the tie that bound them together. In recent years, however, as both entered their 80s and suffered with health issues, they finally lost touch with one another.

As fate would have it, Lisa and I met Bob along with his granddaughter at Homecoming this past fall. We became Facebook friends with the granddaughter, and thus were able to keep in touch with Bob. In January, while visiting with alumni in California, we met Jack and discovered his connection with Bob. Jack lamented that in recent years he had lost touch with his old College roommate. As Jack and I continued to talk, Lisa contacted Bob’s granddaughter via Facebook. To my amazement, within a few minutes through the miracle of modern technology, we had a video from Bob saying hello to his former roommate, Jack. As I watched Jack view that video and listen to the message from his friend, I saw tears well up in his eyes. In the video, Bob told of his life in recent years, his struggles and blessings, and his gratitude to connect with an old friend one more time. It was one of those special “God moments” in life!

Within a few minutes, Lisa was videotaping on her phone a message from Jack to Bob. After pushing send, it was just a few more minutes until we heard back from Bob’s granddaughter describing how thrilled Bob was to see and hear his old friend, Jack. Bob too had an emotional response as he listened to the video. Through modern technology, two former D&E College roommates from 66 years ago rekindled a friendship and renewed a tie that binds them together. That experience made the trip to California worth it for Lisa and me.

Life is all about the journey, not the destination. It is the people we meet along the journey who bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Three thousand miles and 66 years could not erase the impact Bob and Jack had on each other’s lives. Their journeys are forever intertwined, and D&E is the catalyst that made it all possible. I am so grateful that transformative experience continues for students at Davis & Elkins College today. Perhaps 66 years from now today’s students will reconnect and remember the magic that happens on a hill overlooking Elkins.

Chris A. Wood is president of Davis & Elkins College.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today