March 2, 2004
In early January, John Leykam, a mainstay at Saint Mary's College since 1983, was diagnosed with cancer and is currently battling to overcome it. In 20 years of service to the Gaels as Public Relations Director, Major Gifts Officer, Director of External Relations, and Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics, John has developed hundreds of long-lasting friendships with members of the College community. John wanted to take an opportunity to update the community on his progress and share the following thoughts:
Thank you to my supervisor and friend, Carl Clapp, for permitting me to borrow his column space this time. (Thanks also to Carl for helping me obtain a laptop computer).
Borrowing the column was a generous, wonderful offer ... one for which I will always be grateful. No greater deed can a communicator perform, I think, than to lend another communicator his or her platform ... so here it goes, fully with feeling, respect, and reasonably good recollection.
Before moving ahead with just a dash of my best New York-ese journalism, I must dispense first with thanks to the following:
My wife, Christine, who has lovingly cared for me virtually every minute of this exhausting battle with cancer, and to my entire family for its love and support.
All our terrific Assistant AD's and coaches for their ongoing well wishes.
Administrative Assistants Kathy Williams, Stacey Nittler, and Libby Bernard (over in Communications) for successfully keeping me on track through all the changes.
All the Gael student-athletes who have been playing hard and well since I have been (sadly) reduced to the role of a television watcher.
The unbelievably large number of alumni, parents, students, and friends of the College for their seemingly endless cascade of cards and encouragement. Thanks especially to Eamon Murphy, Ron Turner, and Carl Clapp for their home deliveries.
To everyone connected with the College; at no single point in my life have I received so many prayers! Since I was diagnosed January 9, I have felt the prayers and love of this institution unlike anytime before in my 20 years at SMC.
The Catholic, liberal arts and Lasallian values of Saint Mary's sparkle for me. For these reasons, I am proud that my son, Scott, went to Saint Mary's. I look forward to chatting with you about my experiences upon my return.
During my recent time at home, some of my preferences have changed. I've become less of a Yankee fan and more of a Met fan. I dress more casually than I once did. But some things never change! I will continue to be one of the most avid Saint Mary's College fans you will ever find.
Go Gaels, and I hope to see all of you in the near future.
-John Leykam, Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics
