Remembering Max Evensen '20
Dear Bentley Community,
This has been a very difficult weekend for all of us at Bentley as we have grieved the unexpected passing of Max Evensen '20 on Friday night. A bright student, talented athlete, wonderful friend, loving son and caring brother, Max embodied everything we hope for in a Bentley student. I have been in contact with Max’s parents, Dale and Kerry, over the weekend and I know the outpouring of love and support offered by members of this community has been a comfort in this time of sadness.
As many of you know, Max was a native of Stillwater, Minnesota, and a Corporate Finance and Accounting major who loved to work with numbers and analyze data. He was a vocal leader on the Bentley lacrosse team and during the summers coached youth teams back in Stillwater, teaching young kids to love lacrosse just as he, his older sister Sydney and younger brother Blake did. After graduation in May, Max hoped to pursue a career in accounting.
Over the weekend, community members gathered in the Dana Center and in the Sacred Space to share stories and memories. Others gathered in small groups to support and console one another. Men’s lacrosse coach, Jim Murphy, shared his own memory of Max, saying, “It didn’t matter if he knew you as a teammate for four years or four weeks, Max would go out of his way to support and encourage you on or off the field.” This perfectly encapsulates the way many remember Max.
As we begin this final week of the semester, I want to share with you again some of the community resources we have available. Members of our Student Affairs staff can be reached at GA_StudentAffairs@bentley.edu. Staff will be available at the Counseling Center this week between regular hours and reachable at 781-891-2274. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program. Please know that we are here for you if you want to talk.
When we return to campus in 2020, there will be an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to gather once again to remember Max. Details of this remembrance will be shared in the new year. For those still on campus, the Sacred Space will be available for those who would like some quiet time and space.
As we prepare to head our separate ways for winter break, please keep Max, his parents and siblings in your thoughts and prayers. Cherish the time you have with family and friends at home and lean on the love and support of your classmates and colleagues at Bentley. Know that everyone in this community is here for you.
With deepest sympathy and care,
President Davis-Blake