Memories of President Emeritus Clyde Cook
I was fortunate enough to touch Dr. Clyde Cook's leg. During a dinner that the Honduras team was having in preparation for our Spring trip, Dr. Cook and Anna Belle kindly agreed to come join us. Dr. Cook got up to share words of encouragement, he did not notice that his pants had accidentally tucked inside his sock. Anna Belle looked at me and said, " Sweetie, could you please go and fix his pants." And so I did.
Dr.Cook was my advisor in Social Science (Missions emphasis) major from when I started Biola in the Spring of ' 73 to when I graduated in the Spring of ' 75. That was before the Intercultural Studies Dept. was started. I was, also, very fortunate to have him as a professor, mentor, and friend. I've greatly appreciated his guidance, instruction, wisdom, and kindness that he showed to me during my time at Biola and over the years since then. I, especially, appreciate his taking the time to pray with me. May his example of passionate love for our Lord, his dear wife Anna Belle and family, and others he touched with loving compassion and humble service encourage us to go and do likewise. May our Heavenly Father hold you in His loving arms and give you peace.
My sister and I remember Dr. Cook as a powerful example of a man of God. He was a great leader and a humble servant.
Biola University was one of the most life changing experiences for me and a major part of that reason was Dr. Cook. I wasn't a Christian for most of my life and one of the things that really showed me the true love of Christ was his caring and individual attention to someone even as small as me.
Even though I have been in China for six years he never failed to answer an email, meet for a lunch when I was back, or walk around campus with me to see how things were going.
I truly love that man and will dearly miss him. I thank our Lord Jesus Christ that he is home now.
Peace be with you and your family Dr. Cook. I can't wait to see you again.....
When I heard that President Cook passed away, I was sad for several days. I knew not to ask why Lord because it is his will. The memorial services shown on videos at Chase Gymnasium and Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton comforted my heart, by just knowing that we are celebrating his life and also that he touched so many hearts. Thank you Biola Community for the videos. I was a student at Biola from 1981 through 1984. From 1982-1984, President Cook often joined us at lunch in the cafeteria. I was an international student then, but Dr Cook was always a perfect fit. Dr. Cook was genuinely in love with all people no one could miss that from his face. He never spoke above you. He cared for the students like a father does to his children. His humility and humbleness is something that strikes me the most so you can now understand why I was sad even though it is twenty four years after graduating from Biola. Dr Cook was a servant of the Lord who touched many people’s hearts. His example forever changed my attitudes and values as a person. Thank you for being exemplary, rest in peace good and faithful servant.
When I first came to Biola, I was so lost. I didn't know where to register for classes or anything. My dad and I were wandering around the visitor parking looking for a map or something, when an older man pulled up in a small, old Toyota and asked if we needed help. I said yes, and he escorted us to the registrar to get started. I thanked him for his help, and when he left, my dad leaned over and whispered, "I'm pretty sure that man is Clyde Cook, the President of Biola".
I'll never forget that day, or any of my other wonderful memories of such a great man of God, who loved his wife and the students of Biola so much.
We'll see you in heaven, Dr. Cook!
I remember one of the first chapels of my undergrad days and the glorious traditional telling of the famed Pineapple Story. That set in my mind the heart of our mission, of Biola's mission, of Dr. Cook's mission on this side of heaven. I remember the timbre of his voice and his great sense of humor as he reached into the hearts of students to spark in them the reality of the Kingdom among us, of the world that desperately needs Christ. I thank the Lord for the dedication, willingness, and service of Dr. Cook as an ambassador of the Lord. I am thankful that the Lord used his servant to bring people alongside him in the journey. Many blessings and prayers go to the Cook family and to his countless friends, colleagues, and students who will miss him until we meet in glory.
I have long wanted to express in person the gratitude I have long felt towards to Dr. Cook for his kindness which enabled me to attend Biola. I will get to do this in heaven someday. His life has been an inspiration to me.
Alex Thomas (90)
As an alumna of Biola, I wanted to share just how wonderful of a President he was throughout all my years at Biola and Talbot. Even though my direct interaction with him was limited, whenever I had the opportunity to converse with or pass by him, his warmth and love exuded from him so effortlessly that one's day couldn't help but be brightened even if for just a moment. Christ's love was truly seen through another human being in President Cook. He will be dearly missed. May the blessing of his years of service be passed onto generations of his family.
We first met Dr. Clyde Cook on campus at Biola College in 1975. As we spoke I told him that he reminded me of the basketball team that went to Singapore (Venture for Victory) in the 1950's. That was how we connected. That team shared the gospel and it was the first time that my father and I heard the gospel being clearly presented.
In 1983, while teaching at the Singapore Bible College, I was given a two-year sabbatical for the Th. M. program at Talbot. I wrote to President Cook for help. I will never forget his reply: "Anthony, even if my mother applies for financial help to study at Biola, she will need to go through the usual process and be approved by the Financial Aid Department..." That was an example of his integrity as an educational leader in Biola.
Well, thanks be to God and to Biola for giving such an illustrious couple (Clyde and Anna Belle) to the Christian world.
From: Anthony Ang (Talbot, '77; '85 and '89), Diana Ang (Talbot, '77). Director and Dean Bethany Theological Seminary, Cebu, Philippines.(2006-2008)
Share a Memory
Clyde Cook touched countless lives with his wisdom, humor and love for the Lord. We invite you to share your personal memories of Dr. Cook using the following form. Though submissions will not appear immediately, this page will be updated regularly to include new reflections from visitors around the world.