LORMAN – A sea of about 1,300 somber students, faculty members, colleagues, family members and friends of Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. gathered Friday to celebrate the life of the man who touched their lives.

Some were dressed in Alcorn State purple and gold, others in dark suits and dresses, but all shared fond memories of the university president who died of heart failure Saturday at age 57.

&#8220If you really knew Dr. Bristow, you knew of his love for Alcorn State University, and especially for its students,” said Dr. Malvin Williams, who was chosen by the state College Board to be interim president. &#8220He left a clear and long-range plan for Alcorn, and that plan will be followed.”

The memorial service was at the Davey L. Whitney Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on the Lorman campus. Guests included Dr. Thomas C. Meredith, state commissioner of higher education; Dr. D.E. Magee Jr., president of the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning; other state officials and family members of Bristow.

&#8220I knew him as a snappy dresser who always set the standard for the young men on Alcorn’s campus. He was a gentleman, and now I’ve realized he was a gentle man,” said Meredith, who just two weeks ago visited Alcorn to see progress on several multimillion-dollar construction projects including a new dining hall, a new biotechnology and research center and a 3-mile bicycle path.

It was on that bike path that Bristow collapsed during an evening jog.

&#8220No one’s ever been a bigger advocate for their institution,” Meredith said. &#8220He truly was the father to all of those who chose Alcorn State University as their institute of higher learning.”

Dr. Ronald Mason Jr., president of Jackson State University, remembered Bristow as a mentor, a competitor and a friend.

&#8220Clint was my buddy. He was a great friend of mine. We spent many times sipping martinis and plotting on how to make the world a better place,” Mason said. &#8220His untimely passing will leave a void in the compass of institutes of higher learning.”

There is a lot of humor in this world that most people miss, but Bristow caught it all, Mason said.

&#8220I’m sure Clint wasn’t perfect, but he was all right by me,” he said.

Mason was dressed in the colors of his rival school – a lavender shirt and bright purple tie.

&#8220I would never wear this usually, but I wanted to see a glimpse of what Dr. Bristow would look like in heaven. So just for today, everyone’s an Alcornite,” Mason said.

The comment brought smiles and laughter throughout the crowd.

Bristow’s daughter, Maya Bristow of Chicago and a student in California, and his life partner, Dr. Lezli Baskerville of Washington, D.C., thanked friends and family of ASU for their support.

&#8220This outpouring reminds me that my dad lived a great life,” Maya Bristow said. &#8220I remember when I was young, I thought my father was the tallest man in the world. Now I realize he was larger than life.”

Students at ASU shared a special bond with her, she said.

&#8220You are all my brothers and sisters. I shared my daddy with all of you,” she said.

&#8220To my daddy, you are my sunshine – the part of me that will forever remain steadfast and graceful. I love you, too,” she said.

&#8220I express my deep and heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your many and various acts of kindness,” Baskerville said.

&#8220President Bristow’s life song was a few stanzas too short in my estimation, but I am reminded that God is never too late or too early. He’s always right on time,” she said.

Other survivors include a sister, Annie Peoples, a brother, David Bristow, and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Bristow, who would have started his 12th year as president Thursday, was to be buried in Chicago.