Remembering Bud Hazel, who touched so many lives

By Marny Lombard

Beloved, longtime communications Professor Emeritus Bud Hazel died in March 2010. Some weeks later, his son, Michael Hazel, assistant professor of communications arts and leadership, sat down to talk about his father – and about growing up as his father’s son.

Mike more or less grew up on the Gonzaga campus. He was six years old in 1973 when his father began teaching at Gonzaga. As a small boy, he played in the elevators of the then-Administration Building. He watched the basketball team – playing in those days to a half-full gym in the Kennedy Pavilion – and listened to his father, Bud, announce the games. He remembers his mom and dad often having students over for dinner, and his dad playing intramural mushball – a type of softball.  “Professors did more of that in those days. I remember Bob Carriker played mushball, and Mike Herzog coached soccer.”

What did communications mean to Bud Hazel? “It was his life and his hobby. My dad was very serious about his work. He started at 8 o’clock every day and was very disciplined. I am not quite as routine oriented – I’m more spontaneous. I never thought I would become a professor – I wanted to be an attorney. And my brother who wanted to teach ended up as a lawyer.

“As a father, he allowed his four children creative freedom. He gave us space – within guidelines, but he was always gentle and respectful of us.”

Bud's voice, Mike's smile: Mike drops his voice into an imitation of his father’s: “Well, Mike, you need to get at least a 3.0 if you’re going to get into Gonzaga…” A smile springs across Mike’s face at the memory, and he takes pains to point out that GU’s admission standards have grown in stringency since the 1980s.

“It was both an opportunity and a privilege to go to school here. We all got degrees here in the humanities and were compelled to think about ideas, to study different ways of looking at things, to look at the world, which sometimes puts you in uncomfortable places. But he helped us to search out our own path.”

“I was a rebellious 18-year-old and did at one point want to leave GU – I had a friend who was leaving after freshman year and I wanted to go, too. Dad said, ‘Mike, be my guest. You may go forth and attend another school – and pay for it yourself. Or you may continue at Gonzaga and I will pay for it.’” Again, Bud’s voice – and Mike’s smile.

Early in his adult years, Bud Hazel spent 10 years as a Jesuit. After marrying and with four children, Bud found his place on Gonzaga’s Jesuit campus. Mike describes his dad as a professor who loved teaching, but also as an administrator who quietly worked to smooth each student’s path. “That’s part of what makes Gonzaga Gonzaga, and it still happens today.”

“He loved what he did. And again, I see examples of this among faculty all the time – it’s part of what makes Gonzaga still that close intimate place that it is.”

Letters of Love: As news spread of Bud’s passing, many former students and colleagues shared memories with the Hazel family. Each remembrance is a gem. A handful follows:

I am at a loss and my heart is aching right now. I know that it is best that he passed this way and was unable to allow Alzheimers to really take him. I know he would've wanted it this way. You two (Bud Hazel and Dr. Robert Carriker) were such an incredible support system for me while at Gonzaga. I will cherish all of my memories working for you both and I always include the both of you in my tales of GU to everyone :) No-one can believe that I actually had professors that I was friends with let alone keep in touch with. True thanks to you two and the Jesuit institution. – Shannon Rice (’04)

My heart is sad this morning at the passing of your father. I don’t think I would have made it through my first few years at Gonzaga without his insight and help. I told him often how important he was to me.  And now I want you to know that as well. We would often meet in the attic when he needed to retrieve his books for his class, I was so impressed, I stored them for him with the costumes. Bud has a loving and wonderful family, that is his greatest legacy. My life is richer having known him. Thank you for sharing him with me. – Summer Berry, Costumer, Theatre Arts

It was with great sadness that I learned of your Dad's passing.  I know I am among thousands of others who considered him the finest mentor, friend and colleague.  If there is anything I can do to help you or your family through this time, please let me know.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers. – Frank Slak, Instructor, communications

Please know that my thoughts and feelings are with you and your family. I knew your dad years ago when I was a student at GU (1977-80) and remember him fondly. Life is a mystery to me. I know you will miss him.  – Chris Francovich, Assistant professor of Leadership Studies

Dr. Hazel was such an awesome man and will be truly missed. I learned a lot from him and have wonderful memories that I will cherish. I consider myself lucky, along with the Gonzaga community, for having Dr. Hazel as a part of our lives. Now he will have the opportunity to meet JFK, whom he loved, and tell jokes for an eternity.  – Natalie Quigg (‘05)