President, Daniel Webster College

It is with great sorrow that we share with you the news that Professor Donald D. Fagan passed away on April 21 at his home in Lowell, surrounded by his wife Eileen and his children.

Don Fagan's passing leaves an enormous hole in the Daniel Webster College community and in our hearts. For the past 31 years, he was always there for our students, whether they were "his" students or not, as well as for our faculty and staff. An icon of the community, Professor Fagan touched us all, and although we meet this news with sorrow, we recall his good humor and affability, his love of family, Red Sox, travel, and Daniel Webster College. He serves as a role model for the strength, courage, and dignity he demonstrated through numerous illnesses.

If there is any way to find comfort in Don's passing, perhaps it comes from a story I recall when another loved one departed. When we see one's ship and its sails disappear over the horizon, we initially know and feel that they are leaving us. But we come to realize that somewhere on another shore those sails are coming into view, looming larger, and our friend is being greeted by and joined with others.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Fagan family.

Please take a moment to reflect on all that Don Fagan has contributed to this large family that is DWC and in whatever way you feel comfortable, offer a prayer or loving thoughts for his family and his many friends.