In Memoriam: Suzanne Jovin, DC '99

Such a kind spirit had far from humble beginnings. Suzanne spent her first few months in a 14th-century castle outside Goettingen, Germany. In high school, Suzanne focused on chemistry and biology, but once at Yale she switched to a political science major. Her father, Thomas Jovin, said Suzanne was also a lover of music, literature, and art.

Growing up in Germany nurtured Suzanne's compassion toward others. Donna Jovin, her mother, explained that the family often talked to
Suzanne about the horrors of World War II. "She had a sensitivity about prejudice," her mother said.

This knowledge of suffering had a profound impact on the rest of Suzanne's life. During her busiest college semesters, she dutifully tutored Yale students in German. She also worked with inner-city elementary-school students through the T.I.E.S. program. As the coordinator of the local Best Buddies chapter, Suzanne devoted enormous amounts of her time and patience to work with mentally challenged adults. She remained a Best Buddy until her final hours, throwing a pizza-making party for the adults at Trinity Lutheran Church. "She would have surely devoted herself to the cause of social equality" had she lived to graduate, her father said.

Suzanne's loss has been painful for those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her spirit. "We knew her as our child and loved her desperately," her mother said. Jeremy Fain, DC '99, recalled the impression Suzanne left on him. "The thing I would say is that Suzanne is probably the closest to perfect of any woman I've ever known," he said. "Everyone liked her."

Suzanne Jovin, friend, Best Buddy, am schönsten, made her gentle mark on the world.

--William S. Mauldin

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