Editorial:
DeVercelly's legacy etched in memory

Even though Gary DeVercelly died at 18 without seeing the bright future that lay ahead of him, he lived a life that more than a few would envy. In his short time, DeVercelly, better known as “G-Unit” or “Cali” to friends, positively touched the lives of those around him. More than 400 students, professors, administrators, friends and family members packed the March 31 memorial service held at Rider in his honor, filling all standing room and dampening every eye.

For many, DeVercelly was the caring friend to turn to in a time of need. To others, DeVercelly was the comedian who could lighten the mood in an instant. And to his professors, he was the student always prepared to jumpstart the conversation on an assigned reading ­ ­­— sometimes, perhaps, winging it a bit, but never letting an awkward silence go on long. Wherever DeVercelly went, he left his mark. Dr. Kelly Lake, an adjunct English professor who had DeVercelly in class, fondly remembered that he would always submit assignments with his signature comment: “Here it is, enjoy.”

However, the intense media scrutiny in the aftermath of DeVercelly’s death felt almost like an invasion. Correspondents from CBS, NBC and ABC affiliates from New York and Philadelphia, Fox News, The Times of Trenton, The Trentonian and the Associated Press swarmed the Lawrenceville campus to report on the incident.

In the midst of trying to sort out what actually transpired in the wee hours of March 29, the coverage by the media disturbed many. Others questioned why the media were allowed on campus in the first place and believed they should have been prohibited from even entering. Unhappily, the media presence is likely to continue as the investigation unfolds.

But the media have the important duty to inform their viewers of this tragic but newsworthy event. Some of us may have felt bombarded by reporters searching to find clues as to who the real Gary DeVercelly was. Others may have felt the media overemphasized the event or fed into pure speculation on the state of affairs surrounding his death and, as a consequence, tarnished DeVercelly’s image.

While some in the media seemed eager to harvest the raw emotions visible on the faces of the students, most journalists investigated with a concerted effort to accurately represent the overall sentiment of the campus. Here at The Rider News, it was a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, we worked tirelessly to inform the Rider community. On the other, we had to balance the overriding, charged emotions we felt as students.

Now is the time to celebrate the life of Gary DeVercelly. The day will come soon enough where the tough decisions will have to be made for the University’s future to ensure history does not repeat itself.

DeVercelly one day dreamed of becoming a general manager for a major league baseball team. Although he died much too soon, Gary DeVercelly was and will remain a hero to many.

— Jamie Papapetros