Gordon in the News: last updated 04/30/2014
It is with great sadness that we inform the Gordon College community of the passing of Lawrence Holcomb. He was a 1987 graduate of Gordon, and he returned to teach sociology at the College from 1996 through 2011. Many students in the class of 2014 studied with Dr. Holcomb. As an impassioned teacher, he helped students see the world in new ways.
Theologian-in-Resident Greg Carmer shares: "I've missed Lawrence's presence in our community over the past few years and the conversations we shared. I grieve now for what he will no longer experience in this world and for loss of his unique contribution to Christian higher education. Larry died on Easter Monday; our faith is that he now knows more fully that wholeness and peace that Easter promises for all of God's Creation."
A funeral service took place on April 26 in Schenectady, New York. Dr. Holcomb's obituary may be read here and notes of condolence can be directed to his brother, sisters and other family members at that same website.
A service of remembrance and celebration will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. in the Phillips Recital Hall on the Gordon campus; all are invited.
Those who remember him may wish also to visit the Facebook page that has been created in tribute to Dr. Holcomb. Among the many tributes already left at that page are these words from Lindsey Benson Allenby '04: "He was an incredible teacher—passionate about his work and always pushing his students to stretch and challenge themselves. Somehow he made every student feel like they were special to him and had something to offer the world. Those formative years under his guidance and the following years that we have stayed in touch have helped to shape my worldview. Our discussions on gender, race, poverty, wealth, politics, religion and God have all helped to mold me into who I am today."
Dr. Holcomb's 2010 essay for Faith + Ideas = (the College's "e-conversation with faculty") can be read online.