Remembering Canyon “Moose” Hopkins

A message from President Merchant to the campus community. We extend our prayers, thoughts, and love to the family of Canyon “Moose” Hopkins.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The entire Buena Vista University family extends its prayers, thoughts, and love to the family of Canyon “Moose” Hopkins, who was called home to Heaven Thursday evening after a courageous battle against cancer.

Moose (as we all know him) was a stellar four-sport athlete when he arrived on campus from Earlham High School in the fall of 2016. A bigger-than-life smile complemented his bigger-than-life 6-foot, 4-inch frame. He made an impact immediately, contributing as a freshman forward on the Beaver Basketball Team that chased a conference title. Moose would continue to grow on the basketball court as he started all 26 games of his sophomore year.

An accounting and business double-major in the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business, Moose actively participated with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and made friends everywhere on campus.

Following his diagnosis prior to his junior year, Moose helped rally the entire BVU Campus as he joined his family; parents, Monte and Trish; brother Denton; and his girlfriend, Chelsea Hildenbrand (a current BVU student), in doing all he could to bravely fight through rounds of treatment and chemotherapy. #MooseStrong, #FaithOverFear, and “Moose’s Militia” became popular on social media and were common household phrases used throughout Northwest and Central Iowa, and beyond.   

The entire BVU community will always remember his determination, his kindness, and the smiles he shared during a return visit to be with his teammates on the bench as his Beavers closed out their home schedule with a victory last February. 

Last week, I was humbled and honored to visit with Moose, and his family, to present him with his bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University. I was reminded, that even in times of darkness, there can be light. The joy on Moose’s face was evident…it was infectious. Tears joined with smiles created a happy moment. It is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime. His brother shared the ceremony via Facebook and it would be viewed more than 100,000 times. Together – as a BVU Community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends – we were able to celebrate Moose’s accomplishments and love for BVU. During my final charge to Moose, I shared the following words:

“Moose…BVU is an incredible place. I hope you remember how BVU has changed you. BVU will hold you close to its heart and I hope you hold BVU close to yours.”

Please keep the Hopkins Family foremost in your thoughts and prayers as Monte and Trish make arrangements for Canyon’s funeral in the coming days.

Please know that BVU also has counseling and chaplain services available for anyone at this time. If you’d like to reach out and speak with someone, please contact the University Counselor at 712.749.2123. Together, we will support one another through this difficult time. 

#FaithOverFear,

President Merchant

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