Memories of President Emeritus Clyde Cook
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I first met Dr. Cook at the wedding of Dr. Kwast at Desert Chapel in Palm Springs. Our son was then a Freshman at Biola. Ironically Dr. Cook and our son, Stephen Combs (Biola 1990) went to be with the Lord ON THE SAME DAY April 11, 2008. That day a fellow classmate of Stephen's wrote us that Stephen was in good company since he and Dr. Cook arrived in heaven the same day!!
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I attended Biola for the first 2 years of my college life ('95-97), but the best memory I have of Dr. Cook was after that. My husband and I were at a wedding on a boat in Newport Beach in 2003. Since we were on a boat, we didn't have much space to roam. We ran into Dr. Cook in a hallway and I introduced us and mentioned that I had gone to Biola for a couple of years. He then commented on the outfit I was wearing. I had on a pretty pantsuit from Hong Kong that my Chinese father-in-law had purchased for me. We started talking about Hong Kong and he told us an amazing story.
He recalled how his mother, 2 siblings and himself were put in an internment camp by the Japanese when they lived in Hong Kong. (He even still had his Hong Kong residency card!) He was a young boy but the experience was amazing. I was shocked as I heard the story unfold and said that his family should write a book about it. He replied that they already had! He took down our address and 2 weeks later we had our own copy and a hand-written note!
I was amazed that this important and busy man took the time to not only talk to us at the wedding, but also to write us a letter and send us a free book! He indeed was a humble man of God, and impacted many lives.
You will be missed Dr. Cook, but we will see you again soon! -
In the Spring of 1976, I recall as a young undergrad student walking with a fellow student to the (then) Biola Library. As we were passing Marshburn Hall, Dr. Cook was coming out toward us and asked, "Would you two young men like to come and pray with Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Kwast and me?"
In our minds we immediately thought, "How can we say, 'No' to such a wonderful opportunity?" Gladly we entered Marshburn Hall and sat down with three smiling and affirming mentors. Dr. Cook shared that we were going to be praying through Psalm 103. By humble example, he shared how we would take turns praying and then, led the way.
The invitation to pray with godly men of such spiritual stature was a hallmark privilege for both of us students. It was a tremendous discipling experience . . . one that I shall never forget!
As a result, then, as well as now, I can say, "Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name." ~ Ps. 103:1
Thank you Dr. Cook for your love for our God and for actively sharing it with others . . . -
I was privileged and blessed to have Dr. Cook as my advisor and mentor when I was a member of the Student Missionary Union team. I remember his incredible sense of humor and his infectious love for the Lord. His love for his students was obvious and his love for Jesus was so clear. He was an amazing leader and friend.
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One of things that always impressed me about Clyde was his sense of humor. He seemed to have just the right response for any given situation. My wife, Marianne, served as secretary to the senior vice president and provost of Biola University and often helped Clyde with some of his secretarial work when his secretary was absent or just had too much to do. So she got know him fairly well as they worked together. When Biola was celebrating their 75th annivesary they had a service down at the Church of the Open Door. There were many speakers and my wife, who was sitting on the front row of the auditorium, nodded. Her nod did not escape Clyde's attention and the next day when they met in the office Clyde said, "thank you for praying for us last night during the service." She knew he knew she nodded and the two of them had a good laugh.
I am especially appreciative of Clyde's influence on Biola University. All four of my children attended the school. and all have been influenced in a positive way by the well rounded curriculum and godly staff.
I trust the university will continue to grow following God's Word without reservation.
Thanks all you have done for us. -
I remember that warm Memorial Day weekend as Dr. Cook addressed the graduating class of 2002. As I sat on the lawn, excited to have completed my degree, what I remember most clearly about that day is Dr. Cookâs admonition to âimpact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.â
Every time I look at my graduation picture of Dr. Cook handing me my diploma cover, the challenge to fulfill that call stirs up within me. Though I never had a personal interaction with Dr. Cook, his presence, authority, and words echo in my memory and constantly remind me of the richness of my experience at Biola. I will forever remember Dr. Cook, because in my memory, he represents the day that Godâs call to action was awakened. Thank you, Dr. Cook, for your obedience, perseverance, and faithfulness. -
I was always awed by Dr. Cook's humility, and compassion for others. His love for the Lord was evident, as he spoke with and greeted students who crossed his path. During meetings, he always took time to personally thank the student workers for their help. His unique sense of humor would keep those of us attending chapel in hysterics. Most amazing was his sense of humor coupled with his ability to drive biblical points home that made a lasting impression on me. I am also blessed for having met and known his daughter, Laura throughout my time at Biola. Dr. Cook was truly a man of God. My prayers, and love go to the Cook family.
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Dr. Cook, you will be missed.
Greg Calquhoun (83) -
I just finished watching, make that participating along with the video of Clyde's memorial service: I sang through my tears. When I was a student, "Uncle Clyde," as we knew him, was my adviser. I remember more than once, while I was talking to him, watching him raise his hand and wave two fingers. I remember looking at him quizzically and hearing him explain that that was the second time I had said something. I didn't need to repeat myself: he was listening.
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We were so shocked to hear the passing of Clyde Cook. We were always encouraged to interact with him and Anna Belle when they came to the Philippines during the 90s. Two of our children attend Biola and whenever we were able to visit the campus Clyde knew us immediately and always made us feel welcome--our kids worked hard and made it into the working world with a great Christian education that I am proud of.
We will be praying for Anna Belle and the rest of the family.