January 7, 2009

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UM Family Celebrates Life of Mike Blaylock 

 

Mike Blaylock, Vice President for Campus Affairs 

Trey Taulbee sings "In Christ Alone" as the service begins 

Nathan Blaylock encourages students with his father's words from a
True Spin campus Bible study 

Dr. Mark Foley addresses an overflow crowd

Mike Blaylock spent many hours cheering on University of Mobile student athletes in Pharr Gymnasium. Today, the UM family gathered to celebrate the life and influence of the school’s vice president for campus affairs, who died Dec. 29.

Bleachers were overflowing as students, alumni and university officials paid tribute to a man who cared deeply about each person he encountered.

“Today we are here to celebrate a man whose hope was in Christ alone,” Neal Ledbetter, director of spiritual life, said as the memorial celebration began. “His life was all about influence. He cared deeply for you, the student.”

Ledbetter shared some of Blaylock’s trademark sayings that exemplified servant leadership and encouraged students, faculty and staff: “You Rock!,” “You’re Awesome!,” “I’m your biggest fan,” “Is there anything I can do for you?,” and “I believe in you.”

Alumni Steve Jenks, Michelle Drashman, Jamie Ferguson and Phillip Murphy shared remembrances, while current students Jared Freeman and Katie Green represented students now on campus whose lives will be forever touched.

“Mr. Mike lived every day with meaning and purpose,” Katie said. “I will always remember my constant encourager, my ‘dad-on-campus.’”

His son and UM alumnus Nathan Blaylock said his father trusted God, and his message to those gathered would be that “you must trust God.”

“I know, because of my dad’s life, that God was, is and always will be in control,” Nathan said. His father, Nathan said, would also say, “Don’t waste your days. Make a difference.”

UM President Dr. Mark Foley said there are many ways to measure a life, such as years lived, a resume of accomplishments, or accumulated wealth. Mike Blaylock measured his life by joyfully living out his faith and investing in people – an investment that should continue through the lives of those Mike influenced.

Foley said that, today, Mike would say, “I am in the presence of God, Creator of the universe, and IT IS AWESOME!”

Foley added, “As each of us leaves this place and these moments, remember – it’s all true and it’s all worth it. Remember – give it back. Remember.”

 

Last modified : Wednesday, January 7, 2009 8:34 PM
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