Corrie Lazar often worked late hours in the Kappa Delta sorority house, yet she still managed to make the time to offer coffee or Diet Coke to anyone who joined her for a long night of work ahead. When she became a Community Assistant at Foster-Walker Complex, she devoted a sizable portion of her day to caring for her residents, often decorating their doors with elaborate adornments that included glitter –a staple to most, if not all, of Lazar’s designs.
This is how friends, family and faculty remembered Lazar in Alice Millar Chapel Thursday night at a memorial service that conjured up stories about her infectious smile, unwavering commitment to friends and active role at Northwestern’s Mock Trial team.
The Weinberg student was killed after being struck by a car in July in Readfield, Maine, where she was working as a camp counselor.
A dozen friends, faculty members and sorority sisters shared stories and memories of Lazar during the memorial that also included musical tributes, readings and lighting candles.
Lazar transferred to Northwestern in Fall 2007 and quickly found her niche as a devoted contributor to campus life. She was a CA, a peer adviser for transfer students during Wildcat Welcome and a sorority member with a hunger for knowledge and a love of life that influenced those around her.
Weinberg junior Brenna Helppie-Schmieder, who knew Lazar from Mock Trial, said Lazar lived a “spirited, compassionate and beautiful life.” She once shared a bed with Corrie while on the road to compete for Mock Trial. When she woke up, Lazar was snuggled next to her, Helppie-Schmieder told the crowd to smiles and laughter.
Parvathi Santhosh-Kumar, a friend of Lazar’s from the American Studies program, said that Lazar “truly touched all of us.” She remembered Lazar mainly for her amazing smile. “She brightened rooms,” the Weinberg senior said.
Lazar’s faculty advisor, Jaime Dominguez, said she taught him to never lose faith and to meet challenges head on. He once told his wife that when his three-year-old daughter grows up, he wants her to be like Lazar.
To others, such as Lazar’s sister Hillary, Northwestern shaped Lazar as much as she influenced the community. Hillary described Northwestern as a “perfect fit” for her sister.
“Thank you for making Corrie’s last years truly exceptional,” she said.