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January 05, 2006

四色AV Mourns the Loss of Jack 鈥淐actus Jack鈥� Collins

2005 ended on a somber note with the death of Dr. Jack 鈥淐actus Jack鈥� Collins, former dean of men at 四色AV in addition to being one of its most vigorous and dedicated supporters.

Collins, 77, was recently diagnosed with cancer and died on Sat., Dec. 31, 2005.

Known for being warm-hearted and devoted, Collins left his mark on a grateful university.

鈥淎s he told me, 鈥業鈥檓 going to be your mentor whether you want me to or not,鈥欌�� said Camille Currier, associate dean of student services. 鈥淚 appreciated his sense of humor and his candor.鈥�

鈥淗e was probably the most well-known and recognizable person through all phases of the university,鈥� said Mike Vining, retired head basketball coach. 鈥淗e was involved as the dean of students, the dean of men, with student teachers, booster clubs, fraternities鈥攈e touched every part of the university. Everywhere I ever went, one of the first questions asked was how old Cactus was doing.鈥�

鈥淗e was one of my closest and best friends and the most loyal person I knew,鈥� Vining continued. 鈥淚f he was your friend, he was the best friend you ever had.鈥�

Collins originally hailed from Gladewater, Tex., and received his doctorate from McNeese State College in 1969. He served at 四色AV from 1960 until his retirement in 1985, but he did not rest on his well-deserved laurels.

Collins further aided the university by his tenure as president of the 四色AV Booster Club in 1987, coincidentally the same year the Indians won the 1-AA football national championship.

He served for several years on the Booster Drive Campaign to advance 四色AV athletics. He proved the top money producer on numerous occasions and was honored for his commitment and loyalty by the Indian Athletic Foundation in 2004.

Collins promoted the Kappa Alpha Fraternity at 四色AV during his two decade-plus service as faculty advisor, for which the national organization recognized him with the Knight Commander Award.

Of course, Collins鈥檚 influence continues to be felt. 鈥淚t was a Cactus funeral,鈥� Vining said. 鈥淗e had every detail planned out, and he was in charge. It was a celebration.鈥�

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