Honoring a Difference-Maker

Oakland University recently unveiled the creation of the Daryl Blackburn Leadership & Volunteer Fund, a heartfelt tribute to a beloved member of its community, lost on June 10, 2023, at the age of 28. Established by Daryl’s father, Darnell Blackburn, the fund is set to memorialize Daryl’s enduring legacy of leadership and service. Daryl, an Oakland University alumnus and coordinator of leadership and service programs in the Office of Student Involvement, touched countless lives during his time at OU, leaving behind a remarkable impact that continues to resonate across campus. The fund will name a space in the Oakland Center after Daryl — directly across from the office where he once worked.

Darnell Blackburn, a veteran of law enforcement and the crime and safety expert for WDIV-TV Local 4, believes this fund is the perfect way to honor his son’s memory. “I always knew Daryl was special, but to see how much he meant to so many people at Oakland University is both humbling and inspiring,” Darnell says. “He loved this university and the people in it — giving back was in his nature.”

Daryl’s connection to Oakland University was profound. As a student earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, he excelled in leadership roles and fostered a sense of community wherever he went. His role as a resident advisor was especially memorable; students adored him so much that they created T-shirts with his likeness and the slogan “Feel the Blackburn.” It was a testament to his charisma, humor and ability to bring people together.

Glenn McIntosh, vice president for Student Affairs and chief diversity officer until his recent passing, reflected on Daryl’s vibrant spirit and the lasting legacy he left behind. “Daryl was a shining light from the moment he stepped onto campus. His ability to connect with others and his unwavering optimism were infectious. He had a unique gift for making everyone feel included and valued,” McIntosh shared. “His passing was a shock to all of us, but the outpouring of love and support we saw — around 600 people at his repast — demonstrated just how far-reaching his impact was.”

“The Daryl Blackburn Leadership & Volunteer Fund will ensure Daryl’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. Naming a space in his honor is a fitting tribute, as it will serve as a hub for students to connect, grow and lead — just as Daryl did,” McIntosh added.

“Daryl embodied the values of leadership, service and community and this fund will carry forward those values. His legacy of love and selflessness will forever be part of OU,” says Michael Westfall, vice president for University Advancement.

For Darnell Blackburn, this fund is a deeply personal endeavor, one that serves to keep his son’s spirit alive. “Daryl wasn’t just my son; he was an inspiration to everyone he met. Even as a child, facing his own health challenges, he believed in giving back. His faith and his belief that everything happens for a reason carried him through and he used that strength to lift others up. I hope this space will inspire future leaders to do the same — to serve, to give and to smile through the challenges,” Darnell says.

In addition to his remarkable leadership and service at Oakland University, Daryl’s life was shaped by profound personal challenges. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 8, Daryl endured years of surgeries and treatments, yet his spirit remained unbreakable. Despite the ongoing battle with his health, Daryl’s resilience, faith and compassion defined him far more than his illness ever could.

One of the most significant sources of inspiration for Daryl was his younger sister, Kayla. Kayla, who uses a wheelchair due to an injury sustained as a child, became a focus of Daryl’s advocacy work at OU. His deep love for her and understanding of the obstacles she faced sparked a passion for accessibility and inclusion. When Daryl noticed that some buildings on campus lacked automatic doors, he championed efforts to have handicap-accessible doors installed in residence halls, ensuring that students like his sister would never feel limited.

Daryl earned widespread recognition on campus, culminating in his receipt of the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Keeper of the Dream Award. The award, given to students who promote diversity, cultural understanding and community activism, perfectly encapsulated Daryl’s mission at Oakland University. “Daryl was not just a student leader; he was a true embodiment of Dr. King’s vision,” said McIntosh. “He broke down barriers, fostered unity and made sure that every student felt included and valued.”

For Daryl’s father, watching his son face health challenges with grace and strength was both humbling and inspiring. “Daryl was diagnosed with his brain tumor when he was just 8 years old,” Darnell shares. “The doctors weren’t sure if he’d walk, talk or even survive after his first surgery. But Daryl always believed he was going to be OK. His faith kept him grounded, and he used his own struggles to help others facing difficulties of their own.”

Daryl’s incredible ability to connect with others and uplift those around him made him a beloved figure in the Oakland University community. His leadership and service weren’t just roles he filled — they were who he was at his core. His love for his family, his university and his community will continue to be felt for generations through the newly established Daryl Blackburn Leadership & Volunteer Fund.

Daryl’s ability to relate to others on a deeply personal level made him not just a leader but a lifeline for those around him, sometimes in ways he never even realized.
One such instance came to light at Daryl’s memorial service, when a student shared a story that left everyone in the room profoundly moved. The student revealed that during a particularly difficult time in his life, he had planned to ride his bike into a river, intending to end his life. Unbeknownst to Daryl, a conversation between them on that very day saved the student’s life.

“Daryl’s legacy isn’t just about the roles he held or the awards he won. It’s about the countless lives he touched. The fact that a simple conversation with Daryl could change the course of someone’s life speaks to the kind of person he was — someone whose presence alone could make the world a better place,” says Westfall.

The Daryl Blackburn Leadership & Volunteer Fund will not only honor Daryl’s memory but also serve as a purveyor of hope, much like Daryl was in his lifetime, ensuring that future students can carry forward his legacy of making a meaningful difference in the world.