What a Shame

Doug Marlette, dead at 57, in a single-car accident in Mississippi.

Years ago, when Sen. Jesse Helms was invited to give the commencement address at ASU, some disgruntled students set about organizing a un-graduation ceremony at the same time, and somehow I got volunteered to contact and invite Doug Marlette as the guest speaker. He agreed to come to Boone on the appointed day and relished his assigned role as the un-Jesse Helms.

But Helms canceled his appearance, the counter-graduation ceremony became pointless, and I never got to meet Doug Marlette.