SMC students race for scholarship
JAMIE BELCHER
News Writer
Her sister once said only a symphony could begin to describe her.
Among other things, Suzanne Kondratenko was a sister to seven girls. She graduated in the top of her class from Saint Mary's College in 1996 and after spending time in Rome, it became one of her passions.
Suzanne's sister Caroline is now a senior at Saint Mary's and also went on the Rome Program. Caroline says that her life so far, parallels her older sister's.
"She was the reason I ended up going. She's the reason I'm at Saint Mary's. She's the reason I went on the Rome Program," Caroline said.
Suzanne was killed while working in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. A scholarship has been set up in her memory to assist a student wishing to go on the Rome program.
Peter Checca, an Italian professor at Saint Mary's and the director of the Rome program, spoke to Suzanne at her class reunion last year.
"Although she loved her work, her ultimate dream was to return to Rome some day and become the director of the Rome Program," Checca said.
The day of their conversation, according to Checca, Suzanne described how Rome influenced her and changed her life.
"She'd be really glad just to give someone the opportunity to go," said Caroline.
Soon, Suzanne will have such an opportunity. This year's Oktoberfest Run/Walk held tomorrow will be in memory of Suzanne and raise money for the scholarship fund.
Joan Muecke, Abby VanVlerah and Courtney King, among others are establishing a team to run in Suzanne's memory. Muecke received some assistance going on the Rome Program and explains what a wonderful experience her sophomore year in Rome was to her.
Chris Pfau is organizing the event to be held tomorrow in front of Angela Athletic Facility at 4 p.m. Participants can either run or walk and do so by themselves or with a team.
The minimum entry fee is $5 and it is a fee that Pfau says is going to a great cause.
"You can make a pledge even if you do not have time to run or walk. We just want to have a great day and a great turn out," says Pfau.
The Kondratenkos, who have sent three of their daughters to Saint Mary's hope that this will inspire a student with the same ambition and zest for life as Suzanne, the family said.
For Checca, he feels blessed to have known Suzanne.
He said, "I overcome my sadness by remembering how much joy she brought to everyone who knew her."
All News Stories for Monday, September 30, 2002
