Remembering Sarah Starner '13

A Message from University President Dale Knobel

Dear Friends,

As we near the start of another academic year, our campus is filled with the anticipation of classes beginning and reuniting with peers, colleagues, and friends after a long summer. That is why it is difficult to share the news that Sarah Starner, Class of 2013, passed away on August 20, 2011, at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus after a demanding seven-year battle with leukemia. Her parents and those who knew Sarah well call her a "fighter" and a very determined young woman who never wanted her health to compromise her goals, ambitions, and academic pursuits.

Sarah was from Logan, Ohio, and at Denison pursued a double major in educational studies and psychology. Despite her illness, she always pushed herself and sought to be fully engaged in her education. Sarah had worked with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in high school and continued her engagement in community service at Denison by participating as a volunteer in the Newark Schools through the Denison Community Association. She was looking forward to studying abroad in Denmark in the spring of 2012.

Sarah's funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Logan. Calling hours are scheduled for 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday, and during the hour before the service at the Logan High School auditorium. Memories and messages of support for Sarah's family may be left on Sarah's website www.sarahstarner.com.

As new students arrive on campus Thursday and upper-class students return this coming weekend, it is difficult to think about how much Sarah would have wanted to be part of a joyous return to the campus she loved. The Counseling Center staff will be available to offer support should that be helpful and can be contacted at ext. 6647. Our thoughts will be with Sarah's family and the many members of the Denison community who shared in Sarah's life during a too short time on our campus.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Knobel
President