BOCA RATON – With beautiful elements as a backdrop, Lynn University recently dedicated Remembrance Plaza, the memorial to two faculty members and four students killed in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
President Kevin M. Ross welcomed more than 1,000 visitors who gathered on the lawn adjacent to Perper Plaza.
“Today, we not only recognize the academic accomplishments of these six outstanding individuals, but also celebrate their personal accomplishments as well,” he said. “The Journey of Hope and each of its members will forever be an important part of the Lynn story, and today we ensure that their lives and legacies are never forgotten.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Gregg Cox read proclamations to present the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degrees to the families of Dr. Richard Bruno, former assistant professor in the College of Liberal Education, and Dr. Patrick Hartwick, former dean of the Ross College of Education.
Academic degrees were then conferred on the four students, with their families accepting:
Stephanie Crispinelli, Bachelor of Arts, Human Services, College of Liberal Education
Britney Gengel, Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Media and Politics, Lynn College of International Communication
Christine Gianacaci, Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Lynn College of International Communication
Courtney Hayes, Bachelor of Science, Biology, College of Liberal Education
Speaking on behalf of the Bruno family and her own, Allie Hartwick, daughter of Patrick Hartwick, said, “Lynn University will always hold a special place in my heart. It was here that my father and Dr. Bruno made their greatest friends and accomplishments and were given their greatest opportunities.”
The mothers of each student shared emotional and even humorous remembrances of their daughters—Britney, Courtney, Stephanie and Christine.
“Brit was an advocate for the underdog, a voice for those who didn’t have one,” said Cheryl Ann Gengel. “She had blue eyes like the beautiful stone in this plaza, and as the prisms shine on, so will her spirit.”
“Courtney was an angel among us,” said Angie Hayes. “She loved her Facebook, and before leaving for Haiti, she wrote, ‘It’s 32 degrees in Boca; I’m off to sunny Haiti to save the world.'”
Lin Crispinelli recalled daughter Stephanie as determined “to change the world, one child at a time. … She lives on with every life she has touched.”
Jean Gianacaci spoke of her daughter’s beautiful singing voice and sharp wit. “We thank God every day for Lynn, who helped her understand the possibilities were endless. Here, she blossomed and came into her own.”
The next words came from one of Haiti’s own, Lynn sophomore, Gwendoline Darguste, whose school, Quisqueya University, was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Darguste was awarded the Briggs Family Haitian Scholarship.
“Coming to Lynn has been the most heartwarming experience,” Darguste said. “My fellow students and I share a connection because we’re all part of the Lynn University family. This plaza will serve as a daily reminder for us to live lives of service and carry on the legacy.
President Ross then officially dedicated the Remembrance Plaza as “a memorial where [the students’ and faculty members’] spirits and their stories will always remain alive right here at the heart of our campus.”
Following a closing prayer, faculty members lined a pathway through which family members were the first to enter the Remembrance Plaza.