![Alumnus Adam Dachman '84 photo]()
Carroll University Alumnus Adam Dachman '84 composed a piece title "Sweetest Thoughts" in the wake of the tragic events that unfolded in Waukesha, Wisconsin during the city's annual Christmas parade. Six people died and 62 were injured when suspect Darrell Brooks, Jr. drove an SUV into the parade participants and crowd.
The day following the Nov. 21 attack, President Cindy Gnadinger released a statement to the Carroll community noting that the parade participants included the school's marching band, color guard, Pio Pete, and a campus shuttle driver who was driving the Carroll float. Additionally, numerous Carroll employees were there with their families to enjoy the parade. While one Carroll student suffered minor physical injuries, no students or employees suffered serious physical injuries during this incident, however, "many suffered trauma of witnessing the tragedy," Dr. Gnadinger shared.
Two days later, Dachman sent the song to Carroll, writing: "I composed and recorded this piece and have dedicated it to Waukesha in the wake of Sunday’s tragic events. I think of it as a tribute to those lost and their families."
He added: "If for anything, it serves to bring me some healing. Perhaps it will offer others the same."
The song has been paired with images captured on November 30th when the Carroll community gathered at a "CU Hope and Light" event as faculty, staff, and students shared time for healing.