A 23-year-old Ohio University alumnus died yesterday after a three-year battle with cancer.
Chris Glaser, who majored in advertising management, was diagnosed in 2006 with cardiac sarcoma, a rare heart cancer with a typical survival time of six months.
I thought that if Chris is what all OU students are like then why do we need professors
said Craig Davis, an advertising professor who taught and worked with Glaser. He was outstanding - one of OU's best he added.
Davis said he fondly remembers grading papers and talking football with Glaser, who was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Following his diagnosis, Glaser underwent three open-heart surgeries and three rounds of chemotherapy to combat the cancer. He had been on dialysis for the past two years after his kidney began failing.
Losing someone is hard; losing Chris is harder said Dan West, the John A. Cassese director of Forensics. Even when you know someone is going to pass away
it is very
very hard.
During his time at OU, Glaser participated in ImPRessions, a student-run public relations firm, the National Student Advertising Competition and the speech team.
Glaser, a Louisville, Ohio, native who joined the OU Forensics team in 2005, was a member of the All-American Forensics Association team last year.
Chris
while he was sick
never thought about dying
but instead
constantly thought about living
West said, adding that he often remembers debating the merits of televangelists with Glaser.
After graduation, Glaser began assistant coaching the speech team at his alma mater, Louisville High School.
He was very inspirational and motivating
said Tony Sylvester, an OU communications major, whom Glaser coached in high school.
Sylvester said that without Glaser, he would not be where he is today.
Chris's brother, Dan Glaser, is currently a senior at OU.
Funeral preparations have not been finalized, West said.
This article has been changed from its original version. Chris Glaser died from septic shock after contracting an infection following a recent surgery related to his cancer.
