Denison mourns the loss of Elizabeth Minter '13

A message from President Dale Knobel:

May 31, 2012

I am writing to share with you the sad news that Elizabeth Minter, Class of 2013, died yesterday afternoon in Bronxville, N.Y. For the last 18 months, Elizabeth has battled Gliomatosis cerebri, a rare and very serious form of brain cancer. She underwent aggressive treatments with a spirit of optimism and courage that inspired all who knew her, and her sunny Caring Bridge posts were a source of wonder to all who read them. Close Denison friends stayed connected with Liz and some were able to be with her during her last days, a comfort to both Elizabeth and her family.

In high school, Liz's interest in biology courses persuaded her that she might take up a career in nursing. She also wanted to explore psychology and at Denison she initially declared a major in Psychology, but she subsequently discovered that she really enjoyed Communication, switching her major to that discipline. Elizabeth started to show signs of illness in the middle of her sophomore year. She completed her final exams with determination, but upon return home to New York underwent a series of tests that revealed the cancer. Liz was determined to return to Denison for her junior year, but her body just wasn't up to it.

Liz was very involved with her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and her close friends were devoted in their efforts to keep her spirits up throughout her treatments. She also had a commitment to community service, participating in mission trips and an internship with a non-profit agency during high school. Liz volunteered with Denison Relay for Life in Spring 2010.

Liz’s funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Reformed Church of Bronxville (180 Pondfield Road). Elizabeth and her family established Elizabeth’s Hope, a project to raise funds for the fight against child and adolescent brain cancers: elizabethshope.com.

For more information, link to Liz's obituary in the New York Times.

Liz's love for Denison and the support that was offered her by members of the Denison community are reminders of the care that it is important for us to share with our fellow students, faculty, and staff. I look forward to seeing you all when the college goes into full session again at the end of the summer.