February 20, 2005
Becky Casselberry
Becky Casselberry falls into the category of people that I admire from a distance. We're on fairly friendly terms but have never really done anything together, so my evaluation of her character should be taken with a grain of salt.
After acknowledging those caveats, let me say that I think Becky Casselberry is one of the greatest treasures of the university. I met her for the first time in our Freshman Cornerstones class (it was called something else back then that I don't remember) with Dr. Dirk Nelson (to whom I also owe a eulogy that I'll have to get around to later). The first time I recall noticing her happened during our first debate as a class. We were supposed to debate the ethics of stem cell research. We argued for and against it (supposedly - if I recall, it was more complicated than this). Becky presented her arguments better than anyone else. I was awed at how well she debated. I was also struck by the devotions that she gave and the prayer requests she bought forward. I said to myself "this one could lead this class." And she could have ... she undoubtedly could have. She could have been an Honors leader on a par with Scholl, and I honestly expected that of her. It didn't work out that way; Becky chose to invest in other things. I don't say this with a sense of regret or any idea that she chose poorly - thanks to her and her first room-mate, the Mullets came into being (at least, that's how it seemed to me). After that first semester, Becky drifted away from the Honors program and out of my circle of immediate notice (I have a very small circle of immediate notice). I've run across her in several classes in the intervening years and, like everyone else, I've seen her as she has led worship in chapel. So it's from these experiences that I write ... not very much, is it? No. But I've seen enough to know I'm glad she's here.
From our first semester, Becky has struck me as the most spiritually mature person I know. She would undoubtedly deny this, which only provides another point in her favor. Becky has been though a lot ... even I, on the extreme periphery of her life, know that. She lost her father just a few weeks after school began. She lost her room-mate and close friend the first summer after coming. And so many more things I can only guess at. She's living proof that God can work through hard things to make a person who He wants her to be. Her persuasive skills have only increased over the years - she not only has a powerful mind, but (even rarer) a wisdom in how to speak that's beautiful (and humbling). Becky understands God's grace and faithfulness in a powerful and amazing way that I've envied.
Sidenote - Becky is one of the few people I've actually envied. I've since apologized and she's forgiven me. I envied her because she embodies so much of who I want to be - wise, humble, and eloquent. I envied her because I saw in her something that was better than me in things I cared deeply about.
If I had to name one thing above all the others that I admire in her, it would be her wisdom. She is probably the wisest person I know personally, certainly for her age.
In a more practical way, if I was asked by any company who my first choice would be if they were hiring out of my field (Computer Science), I would say "choose Becky." Hands down. She is not the most brilliant programmer at this university (that's a different eulogy), but she combines excellent skills as a programmer with ... I can't find the words ... the communications skills of a politician (in a good sense). Not only is she smart, she's savvy. And darn good looking, which never hurts, even in a profession setting.
*specifically to her*
May God continue to bless and guide you as you leave. May He continue to transform you into a truer and truer likeness of Himself. It's been a blessing going to school with you and watching you, even from a distance.
