Loyola commemorates Stephanie Parente
Andrew Zaleski
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: News
Little Steph's roommates-Julieanne Malley, Lauren Gallinari, "Big Steph" Nguyen, Danni Scorrano and Heather Draganescu (who transferred last summer to Villanova for nursing)-occupied the front pews, and a black-and-white photograph of Little Steph was on display at the altar.
"Everyone was hugging each other. It was like family," recalled sophomore Jenn Ladd. "It was heartbreaking, but still very moving."
Fr. Linnane, who mentioned he felt like a father to Loyola's small undergraduate community of 3,500, later remarked that the church was "racked with sobbing."
"The mood was something like I never experienced in 35 years [of teaching and administrative work]. This shows something very fine about Loyola, that we are able to come together in support for each other."
During the course of the week, an invisible bond linked students together, fortifying them as they reminisced about Little Steph.
"Her humor and smile kept everyone in a good mood," sophomore Amber Beigay said.
"I would always look forward to passing her on the way to class," said Pooja Bhatnagar, another sophomore.
Donny Cooke, director of Loyola's Counseling Center noted that students "have freely been crying, freely been holding each other and expressing their feelings."
"Even for students who never met her, the spirit of this is hovering on the campus," Cooke said.
In a vigil Thursday night, roughly 300 students came together in community outside Butler Hall, Little Steph's dormitory in freshman year. Amid a sea of somber looks, students lit candles as the memory of Little Steph was honored through song and prayer.
"You are her collective memory," said Fr. Jack, who led the candlelight vigil. He noted at the beginning, "I didn't bring enough candles."
Students embraced through tears during the 45-minute gathering. Pictures of Little Steph and her friends flooded four poster boards spread across a picnic table. After the vigil, students were invited inside Flannery O'Connor Hall to produce audio recordings in memorandum of Little Steph.
"Everyone was hugging each other. It was like family," recalled sophomore Jenn Ladd. "It was heartbreaking, but still very moving."
Fr. Linnane, who mentioned he felt like a father to Loyola's small undergraduate community of 3,500, later remarked that the church was "racked with sobbing."
"The mood was something like I never experienced in 35 years [of teaching and administrative work]. This shows something very fine about Loyola, that we are able to come together in support for each other."
During the course of the week, an invisible bond linked students together, fortifying them as they reminisced about Little Steph.
"Her humor and smile kept everyone in a good mood," sophomore Amber Beigay said.
"I would always look forward to passing her on the way to class," said Pooja Bhatnagar, another sophomore.
Donny Cooke, director of Loyola's Counseling Center noted that students "have freely been crying, freely been holding each other and expressing their feelings."
"Even for students who never met her, the spirit of this is hovering on the campus," Cooke said.
In a vigil Thursday night, roughly 300 students came together in community outside Butler Hall, Little Steph's dormitory in freshman year. Amid a sea of somber looks, students lit candles as the memory of Little Steph was honored through song and prayer.
"You are her collective memory," said Fr. Jack, who led the candlelight vigil. He noted at the beginning, "I didn't bring enough candles."
Students embraced through tears during the 45-minute gathering. Pictures of Little Steph and her friends flooded four poster boards spread across a picnic table. After the vigil, students were invited inside Flannery O'Connor Hall to produce audio recordings in memorandum of Little Steph.
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