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A memorial for Adam Szychowski, 23, was held at Wilbur Cross Friday night. The UConn senior was remembered for his friendly demeanor and strong work ethic and was described as 'bigger than life.'

A Community Mourns

Friends, Family Celebrate Life Of Student Leader

By: Christopher Duray

Posted: 1/28/08

The mood was somber when dozens of mourners filled the candle lit Wilbur Cross North Reading Room Friday night to attend a memorial service for Adam Szychowski.

Szychowski, 23, was a senior at UConn pursuing a double major in anthropology and economics. He was found dead near J.O. Christian Field on Jan. 11.

The memorial service was presided over by Szychowski's longtime priest, the Rev. Mark Ditters. John Saddlemire, vice president of student affairs and Julie Elkins, assistant to the vice president of student affairs and Undergraduate Student Government (USG) advisor also spoke at the ceremony.

Ditters opened the ceremony by reflecting on Szychowski's life, praising him for his generosity and spirit and lamenting his departure.

"There was no reason for [Szychowski] to go, and there is sadness in that," he said.

He continued by telling stories recalling the deceased student's affection for Russian culture, friendly demeanor, strong work ethic and ability to convince people that he was a proficient bear and alligator-wrestler.

"Adam had a way that was bigger than life," Ditters said. "A way that spun around and drew you into it."

The reverend reminded the crowd in attendance that despite the relative isolation that television and the Internet can create in modern society, that it was times of tragedy like this that demands that a community rise up and support itself to help its members through their deep sadness.

After Ditters finished with a prayer, Saddlemire addressed the crowd and presented Szychowski's parents with a UConn certificate of academic accomplishment, recognizing all the work that Szychowski accomplished on his way to a degree.

Elkins began her remarks by thanking the many volunteers who helped set the service up, then began reminiscing on her many memorable interactions with Adam. Elkins fondly recalled Szychowski's love for debate and passion about the issues he cared deeply for. She recalled in particular how deeply affected he was when hearing about sexual assault on campus, and how hard he had worked when it inspired him to write new laws on the matter.

She also remembered how hard he had tried to convince her to get matching tattoos with him.

She complimented Szychowski's writing abilities, his excitability, and his passion for his friends.

"When he talked about people in his life he loved, the room would light up," Elkins said. "I never had an interaction with Adam where I didn't smile."

Those in attendance said that the service did a good job in summarizing Szychowski's life.

"The service was very nice," said Elizabeth Ciurylo, an 8th-semester biology and psychology major, who knew Szychowski from USG. "It suited his personality really well."

"It was fitting for him," said Bradford Wilson Cook, class of '07 and another one of Szychowski's peers from USG. "It's great to see so much support from his friends and family, it was a really good showing."

After the memorial, attendees were invited to enjoy refreshments and reminisce about Szychowski. Additionally, they were encouraged to share stories about Szychowski at a Web site for this purpose. Storiesofadam.com.

"I'll always remember his incredible oratory skills," Cook said. "He could inspire so much emotion from people just by talking to them."

Contact Christopher Duray at Christopher.Duray@UConn.edu.