Sophomore remembered

Chad Culver was one of the good guys.\nThat's what makes saying good bye so hard, says close friend Brian Adkins.\nCulver died Wednesday night after his motorcycle careened of the 45/46 bypass, hitting a chainlink fence. Culver, a sophomore elementary education major, was 19.\n"In the brief time I had the pleasure of being acquainted with him, I realized Chad was someone who really enjoyed life," Adkins said. "I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face."\nIndeed Culver's presence is already missed on campus.\n"It is very clear to me that this was a person who had established some very strong bonds," said Associate Dean of Student Damon Sims. "His friends are deeply wounded."\nSims was called to police headquarters after the accident to be informed of the incident. He had the difficult task of talking with Culver's friends in those first few hours following the crash.\nHe said counselors are available for those on campus who may need assistance in coping with this tragedy.\nSims met with Culver's roommates and friends Wednesday night. There was not much to say, Sims said. The group sat quietly and reflected.\nThe students pulled together to help one another, Sims said.\n"There was a sense of real community," Sims said.\nDean of Students Richard McKaig, has unfortunately had to deal with this type of situation before. \n"There is always a real sense of sadness," McKaig said. "I also feel remorse at having not known the student more personally."\nMcKaig was able to speak with Culver's parents Wednesday and was amazed at the compassion they portrayed for the friends and acquaintances of their son. McKaig said their inquiries for the well-being of Culver's friends touched him.\n"It was amazing the sense and compassion they had in the midst of a parent's worst nightmare," McKaig said.\nCulver's friends have been doing their best to pull together, McKaig said. \nIt is evident that many were affected by this tragic loss.\n"The impact he had on other people's lives was evident to me when my roommates and I showed up at his house at around 1:00 a.m. early Thursday morning," Adkins said. "There were about 10 people outside and others inside just sitting around, trying to think of what to do. When I got home and signed on Instant Messenger, there were countless people with away messages dedicated to Chad. His untimely death clearly had a damaging affect which won't quickly heal."\nMemorial services will be held this weekend in Goshen, Ind., Culver's hometown. Viewing will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Pleasantview Mennonite Church. The funeral will be held in the same place on 2 p.m. Sunday. Memorials can be made out to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are being made by Yoder-Culp Funeral Home in Goshen, Ind.