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Image provided by: St. John Fisher College
10 APRIL 8, 2009 C ardlnal C ourier O nline . com • CARDINAL COURIER NEWS A l i f e r e m e m b e r e d C a m p u s c o m m u n i t y g a t h e r s t o s h a r e m e m o r i e s o f N i k i t a A s h l e y , 2 0 E D I T O R I N C H I E F M E G A N B A K E R The Fisher community gathered together for a memorial celebration to share fond recollections of TNildta Ashley, a 20-year-old student who died on Thurs day, March 26. Stories of birthday celebrations, a love of double cheeseburgers and her bright smile consoled those who attended. “Nikita was just so full of life and love. In telling stories about her with others I have found that when people share their memories o f her, they all have the same themes,” sophomore Jenna Least said. That statement couldn't have been closer to the truth. Student after student stepped up the podium telling tales of how Ashley would do everything in her power to turn someone's day around, whether it be sharing her vibrant smile or throwing surprise birthday parties for ------------------- her closest friends. “She always had all these grand plans. She tried to make people’s days and make their lives that much better, even if it meant putting her own stuff aside. I’m now learning how much she set aside for me trying to live without her,” senior Josh Dawson, Ashley's boyfriend said. While Ashley may have only been in people's lives for a short period of time, many were able to learn valuable lessons from her. \It is really important to know how good of a person she was, It's sad to have lost someone like that,\ sophomore Andrew Sapienza said. “She always h ad all these grand plans. She tried to make p e o p le's days and make their lives that much better, even if it m e a n t putting h er own stuff aside.\ t i w i M w s o n , \She made me realize there are people at school, people around you that are worth getting to know, I thank her for that.\ In her two years at Fisher, Ashley not onLy touched the lives of her fellow students. Her positive attitude and eagerness to learn shone in the classroom, making her a memorable student. \in class she was a total geek,\ adviser and English professor: Deb Vanderbilt said. \She was the cent er o f the class, hi larious every day.\ Ruben Gomez shared a story o f how Ashley called him on Ihis birthday over the summer, beating hiis own mother to it. When asked what he would remember most about her, he referenced lier conta gious smile. \Her smile, a smile tHiat could literally part the darkest clouds,, and make the re cipient know he could face- the rest o f the day,\ h e said. A scholarship fund was set up in her m. emery a t her high school, Trinity Catholic School in her hometown o f Mas- sena, N.Y. Vanderbilt is also hoping to establish a memorial on the Fisher campus. Ifyou have any suggestions for a memorial, contact Van derbilt via e-mail at dvanderbilt@sjfc.erLu. mnb00314@sjfc.edu File Photo Nikita Ashley a t a fall2007 photo shoot for C Magazine, for which she wrote. ^ _ Erica Henriksen Erica Henriksen Nikita Ashley's boyfriend, Josh Dawson, speaks a t the campus memorial service on April 1. Sophomores Chelsea Gadd (I) and Gillian Kingsley (r) smile a t the shared memories. Erica Henriksen Erica Henriksen Junior Jessica Gasharre listens to others speak during the memorial service in Wilson Formal. English professor Deb Vianderbilt speaks at the campus memorial, which she organized.
