Photo Album of Memorial
Service - Wednesday, June 6
To: The
St. Lawrence Community
From: President Daniel F. Sullivan
Date: June 4, 2007
Subject: In
Memoriam: Jonia Mendonca Guterres ’10
It is my very sad responsibility to confirm the accidental death on Saturday, June 2, of Jonia Mendonca Guterres ’10, who had begun a summer job as a student worker at Canaras Conference Center. The New York State Police investigated and the Franklin County Coroner has determined that Jonia died from asphyxiation due to freshwater drowning in Upper Saranac Lake.
Canaras student workers had the day free from responsibilities on Saturday. Jonia was last seen in the afternoon on a floating platform that is in a roped-off swimming area on the west shore of the lake. She was reported missing at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday evening; law enforcement divers were called and her body was found in eight feet of water at approximately 11 p.m. Official reports indicate no evidence of foul play.
Jonia, who preferred the name “Sonia,” was from Dili, Democratic Republic of Timor, Leste, and intended to major in global studies. She was involved in the Gospel Choir and the African Student Union. In addition, she was a member of the Dance Ensemble and played basketball in her spare time. Those who knew her speak of her radiant smile and vibrant personality.
In her year at St. Lawrence, Sonia began to make the most of every experience, and the promise of her time with us was very bright indeed. I spoke with her very recently about her summer plans and knew she was excited and eager to meet alumni and friends at Canaras. Our grief at her passing is made even more poignant when we know of her delight at the prospect of her time in the Adirondacks.
We sent a team of Student Life professionals to Canaras to assist her fellow student workers as they mourn the loss of their friend. Students on campus who wish to speak with a counselor can contact or visit the Torrey Health Center or call x5555 to be assisted. Finally, we will arrange for a memorial service after we talk with Jonia’s family and learn more about their wishes.
Ann and I send our most heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Jonia. She will be missed greatly by many.
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To: The St. Lawrence Community
From: President Daniel F. Sullivan
Date: June 3, 2007
Subject: Student Death
I wish you to know, even as law enforcement professionals are completing
their work, that a St. Lawrence student has died, apparently due to accidental
causes, at the
Canaras Conference Center at Upper Saranac Lake. St. Lawrence staff are at
Canaras to assist the fellow student workers. We await confirmation before
we can share
details officially, which we will do as thoroughly as possible. We have no
cause to believe that this death was the result of anything other than
a very tragic accident.
Thank you for understanding our need to respect the investigation process. We will
communicate as quickly as possible when we can do so.
