Amy Brean-Coleburn. photo/Amanda King/Voice/May 2009 issue

North mourns loss

Remembering Amy Brean-Coleburn

By: Voice Staff

Posted: 11/9/09

Students and the North Campus community are mourning the loss of Amy Brean-Coleburn, a compassionate, enthusiastic and dedicated student who touched the lives of many both on campus and in the surrounding community.

Brean-Coleburn passed away Oct. 18, 2009 from kidney failure. She had previously undergone kidney transplant in 2006 after suffering from a severe strep infection that damaged her own kidneys. She enrolled at CCAC in 2008, majoring in Paralegal and Criminology, and planned to graduate in 2010.

She struggled with health issues but never let anything get in her way of achieving what she set out to do. What others saw as bravery, Brean-Coleburn viewed as moving on through life.

"Amy had overcome a lot in her life," said Sue Heilman, North Campus Security Officer who Brean-Coleburn befriended. "When she first came here, she was afraid of not being accepted. She would quietly sit in the Atrium and do her work, even though a lot of times she just didn't feel good."

It didn't take Brean-Coleburn long to open up, and she soon found she had made many friends. Never missing a day of class, she not only studied hard and completed her own work but also helped other students she knew were struggling.

Della Pappas and Theresa Smochko of Supportive Services said Brean-Coleburn went out of her way to assist any student who needed her help. Her efforts were commendable, and she was considered a role model for other students to follow.

"There are many words to describe Amy, some of which are dedicated, personable, genuine, an advocate for others and friend to all," said Pappas and Smochko. "Amy gave a little bit of heart every day to so many students who admired and respected her."

Dr. Srujana Kanjula, professor of history and faculty advisor for the World Cultures Club at North Campus, had Brean-Coleburn in her American Government and Introduction to Sociology classes and as a member of the cultures club.

"Amy was a very hardworking student who actively contributed," said Kanjula. "She was so passionate about the club and its activities. She was cheerful, optimistic, sincere, reliable, determined, friendly, sensitive and very supportive. We all miss her immensely, and she remains an inspiration to the club."

Social involvement was an important part of Brean-Coleburn's life at North Campus. She was an active volunteer at Student Life events and community service projects and always there for whoever needed her.

"Amy is missed by so many people here at CCAC," said Kim Porter. "Not just students, but also the staff, faculty and administration. She was a special presence on campus with such positive energy.

"Her sense of humor, her contagious laugh, her initiative, her perseverance- I still expect to see her in the Student Lounge, sitting at 'her table,' studying. There is definitely a void without her on campus, and I don't feel it will ever be completely filled."

Brean-Coleburn's accomplishments included a $1,000 scholarship from the Perry Highland Junior Woman's Club, North Hills Community Outreach scholarship, Dean's List, Vice-President of World Cultures Club, organizer for student involvement in NHCO's gift wrapping event and many counts of recognition for her volunteerism, assistance and acts of kindness.

"Amy always had a smile for everyone she met," said Heilman. "She shared herself with all and was a very kind person."

Amy Brean-Coleburn is survived by her mother, two siblings, an aunt and uncle, and a niece and nephew. Contributions can be made to the Amy Brean-Coleburn Scholarship Memorial Fund, c/o CCAC, Byers Hall Foundation Office, 808 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212.