North mourns loss
Remembering Amy Brean-Coleburn
Voice Staff
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: Campus Life
|
Brean-Coleburn passed away Oct. 18, 2009 from kidney failure. She had previously undergone kidney transplant in 2006 after suffering from a severe strep infection that damaged her own kidneys. She enrolled at CCAC in 2008, majoring in Paralegal and Criminology, and planned to graduate in 2010.
She struggled with health issues but never let anything get in her way of achieving what she set out to do. What others saw as bravery, Brean-Coleburn viewed as moving on through life.
"Amy had overcome a lot in her life," said Sue Heilman, North Campus Security Officer who Brean-Coleburn befriended. "When she first came here, she was afraid of not being accepted. She would quietly sit in the Atrium and do her work, even though a lot of times she just didn't feel good."
It didn't take Brean-Coleburn long to open up, and she soon found she had made many friends. Never missing a day of class, she not only studied hard and completed her own work but also helped other students she knew were struggling.
Della Pappas and Theresa Smochko of Supportive Services said Brean-Coleburn went out of her way to assist any student who needed her help. Her efforts were commendable, and she was considered a role model for other students to follow.
"There are many words to describe Amy, some of which are dedicated, personable, genuine, an advocate for others and friend to all," said Pappas and Smochko. "Amy gave a little bit of heart every day to so many students who admired and respected her."
Dr. Srujana Kanjula, professor of history and faculty advisor for the World Cultures Club at North Campus, had Brean-Coleburn in her American Government and Introduction to Sociology classes and as a member of the cultures club.
"Amy was a very hardworking student who actively contributed," said Kanjula. "She was so passionate about the club and its activities. She was cheerful, optimistic, sincere, reliable, determined, friendly, sensitive and very supportive. We all miss her immensely, and she remains an inspiration to the club."
Social involvement was an important part of Brean-Coleburn's life at North Campus. She was an active volunteer at Student Life events and community service projects and always there for whoever needed her.