Funeral service set for La Sierra University student Nicholas Culver

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a scholarship fund which is being established through La Sierra University's Advancement office. To give now, click here (Select "Other" and type Nicholas Culver Fund). For further information, please call 951-785-2500, or email advancement@lasierra.edu.

The La Sierra University community struggled to come to terms Dec. 8 with the sudden loss of Nicholas, a second-year general studies student from Rancho Cucamonga who was found deceased in the Sierra Towers dorm at approximately 9:30 a.m. that day. 

That evening, hundreds of students, staff and faculty filled Hole Memorial Auditorium for a 5 p.m. prayer service in memory of Nicholas, providing a moment for the campus to express the grief that had descended upon them that day, as well as encouraging each other in their faith and hope in God.

Many noted the La Sierra University Golden Eagles basketball player for his big smile and kind heart.

“We will not forget Nicholas,” said university President Randal Wisbey to the gathering. “We will remember the gift he has been to us and we will prize that memory. …We have lost one of our students, and that’s not something we are used to around here. We will remember and be grateful that God is in our midst.”

Audience members were invited to share their memories, and many students lined up for their chance to speak about their classmate, teammate and friend. They described Nicholas as a spiritual person who loved God, a healer, a brother, a best friend, a genuine and kind-hearted person.

“That man did so much for me. He made me a better man every day,” said one of Nicholas’s friends.

“He was so spiritual,” said another. “You could just tell he was somebody who really loved God. He was like a brother to me.”

“There’s no one like Nick. He’s a very life-changing person,” said one student. “I feel sorry for anyone who didn’t get to know him.”

Basketball Assistant Coach Andy Press would see Nicholas when arriving at the gym for 6 a.m. team practices. “I love his smile,” Press said. “He had this joy, this heart. It’s important not to miss your chances. I never took the chance to tell Nicholas how happy he made me every day.”

Robert Castillo, Golden Eagles head basketball coach and associate athletic director, in a separate comment, described Nicholas as a good teammate and competitor with an infectious personality. “He was a guy who was willing to do anything to make his team better. Even in the short time he was with us he found a way to leave a positive mark on this team. He seemed to understand the virtue of servant leadership both in a team setting and within the greater community,” said Castillo. “Our prayers go out to his family.”

The Riverside Police Department’s standard investigation turned up no evidence of foul play in the incident and a spokesman said it appears the death was most likely the result of a medical condition. The coroner’s office is currently conducting its investigation into the incident.

Students were just starting final exams week when news of the tragedy reached them through campus communications. La Sierra University Provost Steve Pawluk directed faculty members to accommodate students who are impacted by the loss of their classmate and fellow student to the fullest extent that is possible during this week of final exams.    

President Wisbey called for prayers for Nicholas’s family and loved ones, and for the La Sierra community.