What I learned from Teryn... there's so much. Here's a quick summary:
1. Embrace who you really are, weirdness and all.
2. Give no hate, take no shit.
3. Speak up for the oppressed, the marginalized.
4. It feels good to lose yourself in music.
5. If you love someone, tell them.
6. Even if you disagree with someone, you can love them. Unless they're cool with abusing and controlling others, that is. ;)
7. I don't need to wait to be rescued.
8. Numbers are beautiful.
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Anne, so sorry for your loss,
The CREW Chicago Board
2
I have many memories of Teryn, but one that I hold particularly dear is the time I came to Chicago to present at a conference. Teryn invited me to stay at her and Anne's apartment, and when she and I went out for lunch, I shared with her my anxieties about finishing my dissertation. I feared that I would abandon it before even properly starting it. Teryn said, "You'll finish," in much the same way you'd say, "The world will keep turning." I held onto those words and her complete confidence in me, and in the end, she was right. It was one of many times that Teryn understood me better than I understood myself. What a gift.
3
To Anne and Simon, friends and family...I am so sorry for your loss. Teryn and I knew each other for only a brief season in our lives but our time together guides me to this day. I was one of her student mentees (Peer Advisors) at Loyola Chicago. She always encouraged those around her to think, create, and exist out loud. Though she cannot be replicated by any means, the world needs more Teryns. Her empathy and ability to truly understand others was radical, unique, and extraordinary, just like her. Thank you for everything, Teryn. You are so deeply missed.
1
My sympathies and thoughts are with you all during this time of sadness.
1
Teryn was the most generous soul. As brilliant as she was, she was never a know-it-all. She had a huge heart and made everyone feel seen, understood, and supported.
She had the best laugh and a great sense of humor. She excelled at whatever she did because she connected so naturally with people.
When she faced challenges, she worked through them and never gave up. The love she had for Simon and Anne knew no bounds, and she shared that same care with her family, friends, and students. It feels deeply unfair to have to go on without her.
1
Teryn was one of the first people I met when I started at Lake Forest in 2014, and her warmth and kindness was immediate (as well as her humor!). It's rare that you meet someone who has such deep and abiding care for others, and I feel so fortunate that I got to work with her and to know her. My love to Anne and Simon and the rest of her family. May Teryn's memory be a blessing.
3
I had the pleasure of working with Teryn last semester teaching and mentoring first-year students. Each week I was met with a smile and always left my time with Teryn feeling encouraged, supported, and probably having spent a good part it laughing and talking about Taylor Swift. She cared deeply about her students and brought warmth and kindness into every space she entered. I’m incredibly grateful to have had Teryn as a mentor. She was such an amazing person, and her impact will be remembered by so many students.
2
Teryn was not only my advisor when I first arrived at Loyola, but she was also my supervisor when I returned to FSYA as a graduate student and then full-time advisor. Teryn always encouraged me to push for my goals, she listened to me vent wayyyyyyy more than she needed to, and she knew everything there was to know about advising. I trusted her judgment, her friendship, and her mentorship, and I loved the way she validated my feelings and worked toward solving any problem that arose. I miss her dearly, and I can only hope that she knows how much we all love her.
2
Teryn always had a positive spirit and energy, and an positive outlook on how to move forward in difficult situations. She brought lightness and brightness into rooms for both staff and students. Teryn was a go to resource for me as a fellow advisor at Loyola and was not only kind but intentional with how she helped others - you weren't just another person she was helping, you were THE person she was helping in that moment that made you feel seen, heard, and valued. I am thankful for her fierce advocacy and support she had for the Pride Network Affinity Group and am grateful for participation and suggestions of how to grow the group for more faculty and staff at the university. She will be truly missed within the Office of Student Success at Loyola.
2
I worked closely with Teryn last fall serving first-year students in their transition to Loyola Chicago. There wasn’t a day I saw Teryn where I wasn’t greeted with a giant smile, family anecdotes, Taylor Swift songs, crochet craftsmanship, and lots and lots of laughs. She was a beacon to those around her and, by extension, her broader community. Teryn’s example consistently reminded me of how fortunate I am to help others and how far being a kind and supportive person can go. I am certain that I’m not the only person that can attest to her inspiring character. The world was a better place because of Teryn, and nothing can ever remove that kind of impact.
6
Teryn was my advisor, and I met her during my orientation first then in my Univ class. She was always kind and really guided me when I had no idea how to move forward. Her hardwork set the groundwork for my entire college experience and without her I'm not sure if I would still be at Loyola. Teryn talked about her family all the time with so much love and adoration and I'm sure that as many people as she cared for, even more cared for her. My condolences to the family and I wish you support and gentleness through this time.
4
I am greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Teryn. She was an amazing first year advisor welcoming me to a new environment with open arms! What a beautiful person inside and out. Truly an inspiration and a light for all of those surrounding her. My heart is with her family I knew how much they meant to her and vice versa. Rest peacefully ❤️
4
During my time on Loyola’s university senate, Teryn was one of my biggest supporters for many of my transgender inclusion efforts. I remember when I first suggested promoting gender inclusive housing on a bigger level, she took me aside later and asked what could be done to help. During the rest of this initiative, she continued to be a fierce ally of the trans community on campus, and we had many meaningful conversations about everything from activism to just life in general.
She truly was one of the strongest allies I have ever had during my time as a student activist at Loyola. Her work on and off campus will continue to bless LGBTQ students for years to come.
5
I was one of Teryn's student instruction partners (Peer Advisors) in Fall 2023. We had early morning sections to teach together, and I remember that the very first time that we met, we bonded immediately over our shared dislike of the early morning start (and the disgruntled college freshmen that came with it). Teryn was my first true role model, and working together was something that I looked forward to every week. Teryn was incredibly kind, funny, and empathetic, and she will be missed dearly by the many students whose lives she touched.
5
My condolences to Teryn's family. I first met Teryn when I was a Freshman at Loyola. She was my Honors UNIV advisor. Teryn was amazing and I knew her quite closely from 2022-2023. I ran into her a few times since then at the Damen Student Center and she always said Hi with a smile on her face. Teryn helped me with many recommendations & was always a great advocate when it came to accommodations. I will miss her so much.
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