Danny Mathews passed away on March 30, 2024. Danny served Carleton as Director of the Gender and Sexuality Center from December 2018 until August 2023.
Danny was known for his deep love of students, his compassionate approach to leadership, and his commitment to making sure every student received the support they needed. His sincerity, honesty, and humanity shone through to all who met him.
Beyond Carleton, Danny loved animals and baking, much to the delight of colleagues. He was also passionate about drag, so much so that he asked his loved ones to hold a watch party for RuPaul’s Drag Race, in lieu of holding a memorial service. Danny will be deeply missed.
Comments
Oh my gosh, Danny, I can't believe you're gone! You were such a wonderful, sassy colleague who always brightened my day, whether I saw you online or on campus. You did wonderful things for our students through the GSC here. I will so miss you, and I know that your coworkers at Heartland Community College are similarly heartbroken. What a mark you left on Carleton. Requiescas in pace, my friend!
Even though we never really spoke much together, I am grateful for all the opportunities I've had to connect with you. I will remember your radiance, compassion, and devotion to student needs. I will not forget the times when you helped me appreciate my own diversity by sharing your upbringing as our GSC Director. Thank you for assisting me in my transition to a new life at Carleton. Even though we never really spoke much together, we never really had to in the end. Take care.
Danny. This doesn't seem right, that you're gone. I appreciated your openness, dry sense of humor, and slightly goofy sensibility. You seemed very sincerely present in every interaction we had. You will live on at Carleton and in many future students' lives because you will always be part of the lineage of the Gender and Sexuality Center, part of the stories we tell about its evolution over time and the people who shepherded it with care. Thank you for all you put into this community, and thank you for the kind collegiality you extended to me.
Danny was a beacon of truth, kindness and love in this troubled world. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. You’ll be missed, dear friend.
I'm sorry to hear that Danny has died. I always enjoyed talking with him and learning from him.
Danny will be missed. We met right before his departure from Carleton, and I left that conversation wishing we'd connected earlier. Wishing peace to him and his loved ones.
Danny was a beacon of care and authenticity that I am eternally grateful to have met as a student worker for the GSC. He will be greatly missed.
Danny, I am so grateful for the times that we got to share together at GSC events/trips, and all the time we shared together at Carleton. You are such a genuine and wonderful human being. We will miss you dearly. As we watch Drag Race, I will be celebrating all the love and queer joy that you gave to us - rest in peace friend.
Danny, I keep thinking I'll see you walk through the doors saying "hey friend" and it's hard to know it's only in my memory that I'll hear your voice again. You are the reason I'm at Carleton, you made me feel valued, heard, and accepted. I owe so much to you and know that you will always be a part of my journey. You spent so much time making sure people got to where they were going, and I hope that you have found where you're going too. With love and joy and sadness - rest in peace.
Danny was a wonderful "springtime friend" who I loved connecting with every April/May. He always seemed to bring joy to the workplace. Rest in peace and love.
Oh Danny--I'm in shock that you are gone. You were a wonderful colleague--fun, funny, and always attentive to the needs of others. You spoke the truth strongly and clearly in the many meetings we both attended, even when it must not have been easy to do so. Thank you for all you gave to Carleton and its community. I will sorely miss your presence in the world.
Danny, you were such a bright light. You will always be remembered. <3