Night of Remembrance 2021

Messages from the community

Honoring the life of Trey Taylor

Trey Taylor was a passionate and earnest young man with a bright future ahead of him. He often stopped by my office to share how things were going in his life and to talk through his hopes. I often told him how much I looked forward to having him walk across the stage at commencement to receive the degree he worked so hard to earn. That would have happened in May 2021. I miss him very much and I am sad that he is no longer with us. Jacqueline Edmondson

Honoring the life of Anthony J. Glusko

Anthony Glusko gave his life so that others may live. In his passing, he donated his Heart, his lung, his kidneys, his liver, his pancreas, his tissue and bone marrow, and skin so that others could live. In his life, he lived joyously- from the time he was a baby to the time of his passing, he gave to others- in support, in knowledge, and in love. Anthony always had a passion to attend Penn State, and he received his undergraduate degree and continued on to earn his masters degree. He asipired to be an Aerospace engineer, and was well on his way. Anthony inspired his friends, his family, and others to be their best. His favorite motto was .....WE ARE !!!!! Priscilla Glusko, parent

Honoring the life of Fredrick Ryans, James Shilling, Andrej Vasik, Brennen Westover

The students, faculty and staff of the College of Information Sciences and Technology stand with the University in honoring and remembering the lives of Penn Staters who have recently passed away. We especially remember those from the IST community, including students Jamey Petty, Frederick Ryans, Andrej Vasik, James Shilling, and Brennen Westover; and young alumna Caroline Lonigro. The individuals being honored tonight will each be remembered for the impact they’ve made at Penn State. We find comfort in joining with the University community for support, comfort, and strength while we collectively mourn the loss of lives ended far too soon. Dean Andrew Sears

Honoring the life of Daniel Santamarina

Daniel was studying business at Penn State when he died. He had a curious, adventurous spirit and he was always challenging people to defend their ideas at the dinner table. He loved to discuss movies, both in terms of their broader themes as well as the technical aspects of cinematography. Although he didn’t like most amusement park rides he did love the old fashioned wooden roller coasters. He had an infectious sense of humor and he brought joy into the lives of those who knew him best. He will live forever in our hearts. Leo and Pam Santamarina, parents

Honoring the life of Trevor Thomas, Jonathan Eby, Zachary Hoover, Joshua Ridge, Matthew Gottschling, Anthony Glusko, Scott Black, Ashley Scurry, Bryan Furlan, Dean Feldbauer, Brigette Barrow, Tabitha Youells, Rex Stengele, Brandon Peterson, Trey Taylor, Alyssa Austin, Taylor Miller, Robert Shoop

In the past two years our Commonwealth campuses lost 18 students. We honor each of their memories this evening with the following message: A life lost at a young age is tragic. Thoughts of what could have been or what will never be for the 18 students lost to us in the last two years bring sadness beyond measure. We grieve with the families and loved ones left behind. We mourn for the adventures unexplored, for the possibilities unrealized, and hopes and dreams unfulfilled. We cherish their memories. Dr. Madlyn L. Hanes, Senior Vice President for Commonwealth Campus and Executive Chancellor

Honoring the life of Rodney Jones

Rodney was one of the most intelligent and diligent people I have had the privilege of knowing. His never-give-up attitude was truly admirable and set him on a path to greatness. Rodney was loved and is missed by many, but his legacy will live on through the impact he has had on others. Brian Reid, roommate

Honoring the life of Kayla Ullrich

May memories of Kayla and the love of family’s surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. We dearly love and miss you sweet angel. Muthu, Friend

Honoring the life of Callan Jacobs

How do you describe the gift of Callan Jacobs? The humor, the brilliant orange hair, the bright smile, the clever, quick jokes. Callan often had an interesting and provocative view of the world, whether you were discussing politics, history, pop culture or science. He appreciated Monty Python, Calvin and Hobbes, Beethoven, Joseph Heller, Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov. And like many of his generation spent countless hours building Legos and playing video games. We will remember his sharp intelligence, his thoughtfulness and his beautiful curly red hair. You are at peace now Callan and we will see you on the other side of the infinite oceans. Terry and Daniel Jacobs, parents

Honoring the life of Dean Feldbauer

Dean took great pride in furthering his education with the university. He was eager to finish his degree. Besides this, he had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to play golf on weekends and ride ATVs. He was always up for a game of pool or darts with his friends, and he even played on local teams. He served in the US Army for two terms in the 101st Airborne, and he was so proud. He loved helping people and sharing words of wisdom. He loved his family and would give anything for them and his dachshund puppies. His illness was short and fast, but he was surrounded by family. AJ, child

Honoring the life of Nicholas Papadopoulos

When Nicholas was young, he liked to build things. From skyscrapers made of blocks to patented 3-D printed can openers, his teachers were impressed and said he'd be an engineer someday. His senior year, he applied to the best engineering schools. As Penn State’s engineering school was among the top 10, Nicholas threw in his hat the night of the application deadline and shortly thereafter was accepted into the College of Engineering. As a proud Penn State alum, I was thrilled but tried not to influence his decision. We participated in the campus walking tour for prospective students on an unusual snowy April morning. I was sure the snow was a game changer as he applied to schools with varsity sailing teams, many located in California. At the end of our tour, in front of Old Main, to my surprise, Nicholas declared "Mom, I want to go here." What a thrill it was to know that my son would become a Penn Stater and he alone made his decision. I'll never forget moving him into Porter Halls--a moment that was bittersweet. He quickly acclimated to campus life, making friends and enjoying the social life--football games, club sailing and parties. Growing up, he observed his mom go crazy watching televised football games as a die-hard Penn State fan. He now could relate to my fanatical enthusiasm while attending his first white out and sharing video footage from the stadium with me as I watched from home. He excelled in his school and was accepted into Industrial Engineering, having made Dean's list 3 consecutive semesters and being recognized with the People's Choice Award for the SEDTAPP Engineering Design competition. Of course, the pandemic disrupted spring semester of his Sophomore year but he persevered, adjusting to on-line classes from home with his beloved dog Moose by his side. He challenged himself with a summer internship at Catalent designing a productivity model for the company's international division and at the conclusion of his presentation was offered a full-time job. His accomplishments were many and continue to amaze me but sadly there was so much more he would do. One of his good friends told me, "Nicholas was the sweetest boy I've ever known." No doubt his kindness and selflessness were among his greatest strengths. And he feared letting people down. In Nicholas’s memory, I ask you all to be kind to one another and support each other as fellow Penn Staters during these most challenging times. Finally, as I speak to you all of my heartbreaking loss, Nicholas surely would think I be remiss, If I didn’t end my tribute, as two fanatical kindred spirits, with our beloved chant and Nittany Lion pride, all for the glory, “We Are!” Heather East, Mother

Honoring the life of Ryan Norfleet

Ryan had a wonderful spirit and demonstrated the true fight of a Nittany Lion as he battled cancer. His love for Penn State and journalism were always topics of discussion when we met. Two experiences are embedded in my heart forever. First, he and his parents were in a hard place making a decision whether Ryan should return for his studies one fall. Ryan really wanted to be at UPark and his parents were reluctant but then told me “he deserves a win” and Ryan came back for the fall semester while being ill. The second memory was on a Friday before the Ohio State Whiteout game. Ryan was in my office and was exhausted and in pain but his enthusiasm to experience a whiteout game in the student section was something high on his priority list. I asked him if he feels he can make it and he said, “Jamey, I figured out how to work around my pain. For tomorrow I plan on going right to my bed and resting for 24 hours straight before the game. He connected with me the next week and outside the loss, he said it was an incredible experience. Ryan, YOU ARE PENN STATE! Jamey Perry, adviser

Honoring the life of Brendan Clark

Brendan was one of the lights of our life, loved by us, his brother and sister, and numerous family and friends, and he returned that love to all. His school and his friends at Penn State meant so much to him and we are grateful for the time he got to spend there. God Bless Brendan and God Bless you all. Chris and Debbie Clark