From: Kutter, Betty Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 11:32 PM To: MacGregor, Jean; Bantz, Don; All Staff & Faculty DL Subject: RE: Remembering Jacinta -- and continuing to learn from her Jacinta would love it that even in her leaving, she is bringing so many people here together in such a powerful way -- and indeed, we have to ALL take on the responsibility of caring for each other in the ways she cared for everyone! And there is another story about her early days -- another reminder for all of us -- that she would want me to share here. Jacinta was a student of mine way back when in Human Health and Behavior -- and came shyly in a few weeks into fall quarter to say goodbye, since she had just gotten a letter from the deans requiring her to leave for at least a year. It turned out that this was because she hadn't gotten full credit in the spring and had signed up for a class in the summer that she had wound up not actually taking but hadn't formally dropped, with no idea of the potential consequence. It took some pushing on my part -- believe it or not -- to get her to challenge that verdict -- which she did, and blossomed as well in the program as all of you would expect. This incident had a strong impact on me -- particularly in trying to really hear why students may be having problems or considering leaving. In many ways, Jacinta continued to influence my vision and passion for the HHB program through the years as a place to help students learn to take care of each other as well as themselves in body, mind and spirit. May we all work to make all of Evergreen more that way -- a place of hospitality, as Mary Hillaire always said, and of caring and support as well as of inspiration and learning. -----Original Message----- From: MacGregor, Jean To: Bantz, Don; All Staff & Faculty DL Sent: 3/20/2004 11:42 AM Subject: Remembering Jacinta My shock and sadness reading this tragic news about Jacinta (remotely, from North Carolina) is profound, but a bit softened by the beautiful outpouring of sentiment from you all...staff and faculty...COM building folk and from everywhere else on campus...and the tremendous expressions of gratitude for Jacinta's warmth and love which has meant so much to so many for so long. Jacinta was the first Evergreen student I got to know really well. I'd just arrived here in the early 1980s, and was assisting Russ Fox in establishing the fledgling "Center for Community Development" (the first run at a center for community-based learning). Jacinta was our first student staff member. I was delighted and grateful to learn about Evergreen through Jacinta's enthusiastic perspectives and diverse experiences. Jacinta loved Evergreen, loved its values and possibilities, and it was no surprise that she never left. And she was passionate about community work and believed deeply in the power of people to effect something together. By the mid 80s we were working in different buildings on different projects, but in passing on campus, in catching up over tea, we'd always take up where we'd left off, sharing news and ideas...even in the early 80s, Jacinta struggled with her allergies, but she would generally steer the conversation away from herself, always caretaking others with a hug, an inquiry, that resonant laugh and radiant smile. Jacinta, the encourager, the "giver of heart." Jean MacGregor -----Original Message----- From: Bantz, Don To: All Staff & Faculty DL Sent: 3/19/2004 9:11 AM Subject: Loss of a community member I am sorry to inform you that one of our own, Jacinta McKoy, performing and media arts coordinator, passed away unexpectedly last night. This comes as a great shock to our community, as we lost one of our most beloved and dedicated colleagues. Jacinta brought unflappable good humor and tremendous grace to her work. We will dearly miss her heartfelt commitment to hospitality, indeed she set high standards for the Com Building. We have little information to share with you at this point. As we learn more about any plans for a service or for memorials, we will share it with you. Please watch your e-mail for more information from our office. The Employee Assistance Service is available at 493-7867 and 1-800-216-7867 to those who would like its help.