Caleb Copeland, one of my first university students, passed away yesterday. It’s taken the better part of the last 24 hours to work through my grief enough to express my impressions of this exceptional young man. His life was cut short at nearly 41 from horrific complications from pneumonia. It’s outrageously upsetting and wrong. Caleb was far too young with far too much to give. I’m hopeful that as more and more tribute messages come out about him, we all learn to embrace just how damn short our lives are and do something about it. Shake some trees. Tell someone you love them. Express your gratitude. Whatever it takes for you to live life just a bit more fully.
My memories of Caleb: He was taking a few of my classes at Missouri State University—producing, screenwriting, etc. I noticed him pretty quickly because he always asked questions (my favorite kinda student!). Mind you, Caleb was a bit shy (most of my midwestern students tended to be like that until you kicked them in the butt and encouraged them to break out of their shells). Still… You could see the wheels turning in that brilliant young head of his as his critical thinking skills sharpened.
Bryan Manning, another student, was developing a short script in my screenwriting class that he planned to direct the following semester. The script had science fiction tones and a refreshingly authentic quality that was equal parts original and homage-like. As the script came together, we managed to pull Caleb in as the producer. At first, it was like watching a baby deer stand up for the first time and take its first steps. Caleb had no idea of his own potential, uncertain of his authority and sense of self. I nudged, urged, and supported him as he stepped forward and embraced his leadership role. As the production unfolded, he did, never losing sight of his innate kindness and patience or the value of a smile when encouraging the student production crew forward (sometimes way into the night). The more he stepped forward, the more I was able to step back, and the film—thanks to everyone’s wonderful contributions—became this fabulous work with heart and ambition that everyone involved could be proud of.
Apollo went on to win several awards, giving the Media, Journalism, and Film Department at Missouri State University its first real recognition as an incubator for wonderfully unique talent. That recognition, by the way, went on to spark a slew of fabulous productions for the Media, Journalism, & Film department. Without question, Caleb, Bryan, and everyone else involved in Apollo served as inspiration for the successes seen in university-wide projects like Epilogue, Show-Me Chefs, and others.
That’s a helluva legacy to leave behind. While it doesn’t give much peace to Caleb’s loss, it certainly shines a light on the value of stepping forward. Of pushing yourself beyond original expectations. Now of course, Caleb went on to do many more things – his latest work included serving as the head of a social media team for a non-profit in D.C. He gave generously of his time to his nieces and nephews and yet always had time for a quick hello when we’d share messages on social media.
Which all demonstrates: His life — however short — was about getting out there and DOING something, anything.
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May Caleb’s memory be a blessing for all of us.
You can read more about Caleb’s life over at:
https://www.legacy.com/legacy/caleb-copeland