MEC Mourns the Passing of Lowell F. Hawthorne, 2013 Commencement Speaker

Dear Medgar Evers College Community,

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lowell Hawthorne on Saturday and extend our deepest sympathy to his entire family, as well as his friends and colleagues. The police have reported that Mr. Hawthorne, the visionary founder and CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, committed suicide.

Mr. Hawthorne, a 57-year-old Jamaican immigrant, was a true friend of the College. He was an active supporter of our initiatives and a generous donor. The College awarded him an honorary degree in 2011 and in 2013 he delivered the keynote address at our 42nd Commencement.

Mr. Hawthorne was an inspiring success story, opening his first store in the Bronx in 1989 and building a national chain of more than 120 stores that stretched across nine states. At a College event last year he spoke eloquently of the need to give back.
We can honor Mr. Hawthorne’s legacy with our continued commitment to work diligently, practice altruism, and see the best in one another.

Rudolph F. Crew, Ed. D.
President