On the first day of classes, Aug. 20, Colorado State University professor Gary Moody died in a collision between his bicycle and a tanker truck in Berthoud. Moody taught the bassoon studio course as well as music theory and was highly regarded by both staff and students. He was 62 years old.

Dan Goble, director of the School of Music, Theater, and Dance, notified the music department Tuesday morning of Moody’s passing. His untimely death has deeply affected the staff and students of the music department. While campus is taking its time to grieve and process his loss, the school is coming together in strength and unity.

Professors have taken it upon themselves to ensure that their community is being supported. The annual music department convocation still took place Wednesday, where Goble took the opportunity to share Moody’s impact on CSU and reaffirm the supportive community. He gave an impassioned speech and saxophone performance in Moody’s memory.

Courtney Hunter, a freshman music education student who was set to start lessons with Moody in the first week of classes, noticed her professor’s effect on his colleagues.

“My professor was almost going to cry in class,” Hunter said. “When the news first came out, there were four or five professors crying in their offices. Everyone seemed impacted.”

Staff expressed support

Faculty members have not only taken ownership of their roles as educators but as mentors, by supporting their students, representing one another and honoring Moody’s mark at CSU. Interim Instructor of Music Education Sebastian Adams used a portion of his Introduction to Music Education class the next day to speak to students about the importance of grief.

“It was a tough choice to make, to offer a classroom for grieving and remembrance, but to also make it educational,” Adams said. “I tried my best to resolve what Dr. Moody would have wanted; he connected with and cared for many people. He would never want everything to come to a halt that would prevent student growth and development.”

Moody left the students, faculty and staff at the school with his passion, artistry and personality. The CSU community will continue to remember Gary Moody. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gary and Risë Moody CSU Music Scholarship Fund, at advancing.colostate.edu/MOODY

For anyone seeking support, the CSU Health Network offers several counseling services that can be utilized by visiting their facilities on the third floor of the CSU Health and Medical Center, 151 W. Lake St., visiting the webpage, or calling (970) 491-6053.