blueblueblue

July 22nd, 2010 at 7:33 PM ^

I was once Jillian's GSI. In addition to being seemingly always engaged in the material (which for that class was a great accomplishment in itself), she had an endearing and witty personality, a great smile, and was a pleasure to teach and interact with. Had she been able to carry out her career goals, she would have made a positive impact on many people's lives. A good person lost her life due to a mere accident. Truly saddening. 

MGoShoe

July 22nd, 2010 at 8:06 PM ^

...the world has lost an exceptional young woman.  From the story and the testimony here from those who knew her, it seems that Jillian's accomplishments and positive effect on her community and others were more than extraordinary.  My sincerest condolences to her family and friends for this tragic loss.

TheLastHarbaugh

July 22nd, 2010 at 9:04 PM ^

Condolences to the family.

I saw him once before, As he passed by the door, And again The pavement stones resound, As he totters o'er the ground With his cane.

They say that in his prime, Ere the pruning-knife of Time Cut him down, Not a better man was found By the Crier on his round Through the town.

But now he walks the streets, And looks at all he meets Sad and wan, And he shakes his feeble head, That it seems as if he said, "They are gone."

The mossy marbles rest On the lips that he has prest In their bloom, And the names he loved to hear Have been carved for many a year On the tomb.

My grandmamma has said Poor old lady, she is dead Long ago That he had a Roman nose, And his cheek was like a rose In the snow;

But now his nose is thin, And it rests upon his chin Like a staff, And a crook is in his back, And a melancholy crack In his laugh.

I know it is a sin For me to sit and grin At him here; But the old three-cornered hat, And the breeches, and all that, Are so queer!

And if I should live to be The last leaf upon the tree In the spring, Let them smile, as I do now, At the old forsaken bough Where I cling.

The Last Leaf

Oliver Wendell Holmes

big sister

July 22nd, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^

Wow. This is so horrible. I've gathered that she sounds like a wonderful girl and I send my deepest condolences. I think her spirit and memory will stay at the university for years to come.

Search4Meaning

July 27th, 2010 at 1:19 PM ^

They were obviously shaken by her death.

I can't imagine continuing on for another week afterwards, but that was exactly what they were doing.  

My deepest condolences to her friends and family, and to her classmates.

If anyone hears of a scholarship/memorial being organized, please post it as I would like to donate.