Israel Penn: Heaven’s New Angel
Bluefield College’s mission is to be “a Christ-centered learning community preparing servant leaders.” Student Israel Penn was on a path to do exactly that when her life was cut short after just two years of study at BC and despite a valiant battle against cancer.
Penn came to Bluefield College in the fall of 2016. She majored in communications, and her motto was, “Everyone should live their dreams; giving up is never an option. She lived by these words, and her dream was to pursue a career in sports journalism. While a student she served as a commentator at different BC sporting events, and she even had her own sports blog called “Kick’n It with K. Lani.”
During her sophomore year at BC, Penn was diagnosed with cancer and soon after would have to pause her educational journey to focus on her battle against the disease — a battle she eventually lost on January 29, 2020.
“We are very sad to lose such a beautiful spirit and dedicated leader on our campus,” said Dr. Maria Zalduondo, BC’s director of Global Education. “(She) touched the lives of all who knew (her) and led a life of significance in (her) short stay with us.”
In addition to her dream to be a sports journalist, Penn also had a passion for the Black Student Alliance (BSA), a campus organization she helped create at BC and one she cared deeply about and was always pushing to advance and to get people to join.
Students who knew Penn recall her “bright smile that could light up the room” and her determination. They say she would not want us to be sad about her passing, but instead to continue life with our memory of her and the example she set on how to live.
“Everyone should live their dreams, giving up is never an option.” – Israel Penn
Penn’s impact was really evident during a memorial service in her honor on campus on February 20, 2020. Students who spoke emphasized her genuine passion and how she made special efforts to make others feel special. Faculty members spoke about her leadership with the BSA, including how she hand delivered Valentine’s Day candy to employees and how good it made them feel.
“I still have one of her Valentine’s,” said Dr. Cindy Bascom, professor and chair of the Department of Communication. “Israel and her friends didn’t just leave (them) in our mailboxes; they hand-delivered our Valentine’s candy and cards. It was made extra special with her smile.”
Those close to Penn said she fought through her sickness “bravely” and never let it dampen her spirit. She would always declare that she was “good” whenever someone would ask how she was doing. That’s just the kind of person she was; she wouldn’t want any one to feel bad for her.
“Although we miss her deeply,” said BC’s Josh Arnold, associate vice president for student development, “we know she has received her full healing as she was welcomed into the loving arms of her heavenly Father.”
“Without my God nothing would be possible.” – Israel Penn