The Louis Room at Norris University Center was packed on Friday night as hundreds of students gathered for a memorial service to celebrate the life of rising senior, Scott Boorstein. The emotional event included a tribute video, several speakers, an open mic period for anyone who felt compelled to speak, and a reception.
Boorstein took his own life on Sept. 2.
Scott’s father, Marc Boorstein, spoke, emphasizing that this should be a celebratory event, remembering Boorstein for all the joy he brought to those he knew.
“He was the best person I’ve ever known,” said Boorstein. “Scott and I were a fraternity of two, and I was certainly not the president.”
He went on to say that he credits Northwestern in large part for shaping Scott into the kind and caring person that he was.
His mother, Nina Boorstein, spoke as well, remarking on Scott’s positive outlook on life and reluctance to judge anyone, saying that, “Scott inspired me everyday...He loved Northwestern and everything it offered.” She finished by asking, “How can we all be more like Scott? Be more curious. Ask more questions. Love a little more, be a little kinder. Give an extra hug. Smile a little wider, be a little gentler. Let Scott shine through so that all of his goodness shall live on through us all.”
Family and friends spoke of Boorstein’s kindness and love of life and shared their favorite memories of him. His father and sister both spoke of Boorstein’s generosity to his friends, recounting how when one of his friends was interested in Boorstein’s summer internship, he offered his friend the position even though there was only one internship opening.
Boorstein was the service chair of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and ran unopposed for member at large, a position responsible for organizing events and mediating conflicts. Instead of asking for gifts for his birthday, he asked for donations to his Dance Marathon team.
Sports were a big part of Boorstein's life, as he frequently played golf with his father as well as with the Northwestern club team. A member of the Capital Management club, Boorstein was also well-versed in music, current events and trivia, and loved Jeopardy and traveling.