In Memoriam
- Home
- In Memoriam
- Do it Carrie's Way
Carrie Gasch
Do it Carrie's Way
When Carrie Gasch came to Northwest College in 2000 as Director of Annual Giving, she brought with her an uncanny delight in the moment and a joyous dedication to the future. She believed no gift, monetary or otherwise, was too small if it was invested in the future. She practiced a "pay it forward" philosophy of life long before the phrase was popularized in a movie.Carrie wasn't on campus when classes started for the 2006-07 school year. She was battling spinal cancer at her home in Cody. Her physical absence, however, didn't deter employees and friends of Northwest from ensuring that Carrie's energy and her spirit contintued to grow and thrive.
The NWC Board of Trustees proclaimed Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, the first day of fall classes, as Carrie Gasch Day. On that day, friends and employees of the college were invited to wear buttons that said "Do it Carrie's Way." Instead of concentrating on ways to fix or make amends for the past, we asked our campus and community to direct their energies to the future and to the as yet unknown goodwill that would emanate from our actions that day. Instead of paying it back, we asked people to consider paying it forward with spontaneous cheer and helpful deeds.
From noon-1 p.m. on that Monday, the carillon on the campus mall sounded out a collection of songs dedicated to Carrie. People within hearing distance were asked to let the music be their invitation to take time out during the hour to send silent prayers, thoughts or good vibrations to Carrie.
Who knows what miracles can be sparked by a concentrated effort to pay it forward.
