Student Dies in Alaska Hometown
CAS student remembered as a creative, thoughtful friend and student
Patrick Doherty, a 19-year-old College of Arts & Sciences student who had just completed his freshman year, died on June 17 in his hometown of Ketchikan, Alaska.
Doherty (CAS’12) planned to major in biochemistry. The Ketchikan Daily News reported that Doherty was an avid reader who loved to play sports and music. He had been the president of his high school class, the student representative on the Ketchikan School Board, and a leader in the Alaska Association of Student Governments. Doherty was also captain of his high school swim team and played clarinet, sax, and piano.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore says Doherty, who roomed in Sleeper Hall last year, will be remembered as a thoughtful and kind friend.
“We remember Patrick for the vitality he gave to his community of classmates, roommates, and friends,” says Elmore. “We offer sincere and loving good wishes to Patrick’s family during this difficult time.”
Sheila Cordner (GRS’11), an instructor in the CAS Writing Program and a Ph.D. candidate, taught Doherty in her Irish literature class. He was the kind of student who naturally earned respect and admiration, she says.
“From the beginning of the semester, I noticed how diligent he was,” Cordner says. “But it was his encouragement of other students who were less skilled that set him apart. He was always respectful, had a sense of humor, and his positive outlook rubbed off on his classmates. We were lucky to have a student like Pat. His death is a great loss to this community.”
Students and staff who would like to talk about the loss of Patrick Doherty can contact University Chaplain Brother Larry Whitney at Marsh Chapel at 617-353-3392.
Art Jahnke can be reached at jahnke@bu.edu.
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