Mourners gather to celebrate Adams’ life

Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable. \nTony Sams, editorial adviser and production director at the Indiana Daily Student, explained at one point last week that many hearts were broken after the unexpected loss of IU Student Media Director David Adams, referring to a quote from “The Wizard of Oz,” one of Adams’ favorite movies.\nAdams’ memorial service was held Friday at Unity of Bloomington, 4001 S. Rogers St., a center for spiritual growth. Red and yellow roses lined the altar, filling the air with their aroma as more than 150 friends, family members and colleagues filled the room to celebrate Adams’ life.\nFormer Dean of the IU School of Journalism Trevor Brown, Chancellor Ken Gros Louis and Dean of the IU School of Journalism Bradley Hamm began the memorial service by speaking about Adams’ professionalism. \n“Teachers teach, and the lessons and the values they give to us stay with us,” Hamm said. “As Dave showed, we simply must put these into action for the good of our students and our community.”\nFall 2006 Editor-in-Chief Michael Zennie spoke at the service on behalf of students and alumni who knew Dave. Zennie explained Adams’ patience and kindness toward his students. \n“Never did I hear him speak ill of any student or any decision any student made, even recalling some of the absolute nightmarish scenarios in journalism that he experienced,” Zennie said. “He dismissed it as ‘Oh, it was an experience. It was a mistake. It was a good learning experience.’” \nThe Rev. Lynn Carlson explained she met Adams outside of the University and had known him for about 10 years. She said although she didn’t spend a lot of time with him, she had a heart-to-heart connection with him and understood him spiritually. \nThe memorial service in the chapel ended with soloist Ginger Curry singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and two prayers.\nIU Student Media invited all guests back to the Indiana Daily Student newsroom to record memories. The memories will be distributed for anyone who would like a copy. \nHamm explained that even though they do not have an immediate replacement for Adams’ position, IU will look nationally for the best person to lead the IDS and continue the tradition of excellence Adams built. \nAfter the service, Rev. Carlson invited guests to share memories at an open forum downstairs in Unity. \nAbout 20 people stood in front of a crowded room to share their favorite or most memorable experience with Adams. Ron Johnson, a professor at Kansas State University, said he met Adams while attending Fort Hays State University. \nJohnson explained how he’s following in Adams’ footsteps. Johnson said he took Adams’ position at Fort Hays State University four years after Dave left in 1985. In 1989, he again took the position Adams vacated at Kansas State University. \n“He had a rather profound influence on us,” Johnson said. “He may not be here, but his influence will be there for the rest of your life.”\nDave’s brother Charlie Adams explained how he was one of the more fortunate people who knew Dave because he knew him for his entire life. \n“Today’s ceremony began with a rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow.’ We had rain outside. There will be a rainbow,” Charlie said. “Dave has crossed over. Let’s celebrate his memories.”