Shortly following the conclusion of the Spring 2011 semester, a shocking death rattled the Hofstra community. Dana Brand, a long-time English professor at the University, passed away last May at the age of 56. He was both respected and honored in his passing. English Department chairman Joseph Fichtelberg even dedicated a memorial scholarship fund that people can send donations to in Brand's name. With this, along with a memorial ceremony scheduled to occur on Nov. 9, Professor Brand has been given a proper send-off.
However, there are instances in which death is used for personal gain. The most blatant and apparent form of this practice occurs in the music industry.
Remember the line, "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings" from It's a Wonderful Life? For record companies, the line becomes "Every time an artist dies, we cash in like there's no tomorrow."