A white paper posted on the doors in Hedrick Hall informing
students of the unexpected death of their Resident Director Gerald
Lamb brought a somber mood to the dorm, which contrasted the bright
decorations welcoming students back from winter break.
“The atmosphere was very different last night. Our floor
is usually loud, but yesterday it was quiet, respectful,”
said Ginny Lewis, first-year psychobiology student.
Those who had worked with him were overwhelmed and saddened by
the news.
“With such an important event like the death of someone
close to you, it’s difficult to keep things normal. Some of
the staff just wants to keep busy to try to keep their mind off of
it. Other staff members have decided to take time for themselves so
they can work through what they need to, and have friends taking
notes for them in class,” said Special Events Coordinator
Morgan Joeck, a fourth-year psychology student.
The loss of Lamb has affected his Resident Assistants and
Program Assistants, who worked closely with him.
“I knew him as a vibrant, energetic person, always smiling
and joking around; he was a boss anyone would want to have. There
was a lot of grieving when the staff found out about it. We were
consoling each other and reminiscing and laughing about the good
memories we had of him,” said Hedrick PA Jeremy Lautan, a
second-year psychology and sociology student.
Though most of the students in Hedrick Hall didn’t know
Lamb as well as the staff members, many of them still felt the
effects of his death as their grieving RAs told them what had
happened.
“I noticed that the RAs and PAs are really sad.
Everything’s somber and morose,” said Annie Kong,
first-year undeclared student.
“It has affected the RAs and PAs more than the residents
because he was their boss. It’s shocking because just three
weeks ago he was here, lively and enthusiastic, and during those
three weeks, something tragic like this happened to him,”
said Allice Hua, second-year communications student.
The UCLA Office of Residential Life is hosting a program
celebrating the life of Gerald Wayne Lamb on Monday, January 13,
2003 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Grand Horizon Room of Covel
Commons. All are invited to attend.