Even though they all taught different subjects, they describe the same student in similar ways:  thoughtful, mature and dedicated.

“He was one of those rare students that really stick out in your mind,” said Navreet Sumal, a business professor who taught Brian Wolverton, a Moorpark College alumnus who was killed in Afghanistan. “Brian was a very jolly sort of person, he always had a smile on his face.”

The 21-year-old Army Private 1st Class, Brian Wolverton was killed in Kunar province on Aug. 20 after receiving wounds from indirect fire, according to a press release issued by Moorpark College’s Jeanne Brown with Public Relations. He graduated from Oak Park High School in 2006, and from there went on to receive an Associates Degree at Moorpark College in 2008.

A number of his former professors and instructors attended his funeral on Aug. 29, including anthropology professor John Baker.

“Brian was a very nice young man who seemed very mature for his age,” said Baker. “He would frequently stop by my office [and the offices of other faculty members] to discuss life, the world and stuff like that.”

Sumal can relate to having Wolverton stop by his office occasionally to talk about business, despite believing he was more interested in pursuing anthropology as a major.

Speech instructor Marjorie Berg remembers that despite the challenges several students at first face with speech class, Wolverton was a dedicated student.

“Most students are shy, scared, frightened about taking speech,” said Berg. “Brian was no different, but he dug in, did his best and was a constant contributor to all class discussions and critiques. “He will be greatly missed by his classmates. I am so very sad – such a bright light, put out all too soon.”

Baker shares this feeling, despite not having been able to be in contact with the former student.

“He seemed like an ‘old soul’ in many ways,” said Baker. “Although I had not seen him since he graduated from Moorpark College and went into the army, I miss him.”