Deaths

Michael Yang, a Wharton Freshman

Last week the campus mourned the loss of a freshman, Sung Woo Yang, 18, who was killed while riding his bicycle at the intersection of 33rd and South Streets on the afternoon of October 19.

"We are terribly saddened by the untimely death of this young man so new to our community," said University President Judith Rodin. "Our thoughts and prayers are most certainly with his family and friends."

Sung Woo Yang, known as Michael, was born in Korea and came to Penn from his family's present home in Cairo to join the Wharton School's Class of 2003. A member of the freshman heavyweight crew, he lived in Hill House, where he was popular among his fellow students as a caring and outgoing friend, and a hardworking computer whiz, according to some of the many accolades given by dorm mates to The Daily Pennsylvanian following his death.

Some 75 students attended a funeral service held Thursday at the Keeho Kim Funeral Home in the Olney section of Philadelphia, along with his parents, who asked for privacy but who elected to hold a service here as a gesture of closure before transporting their son's body to Korea to rest near his grandfather's.

"This young man's death is a tragic loss for his family, friends and classmates," said the Wharton School's Interim Dean Patrick Harker. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."



Lester (Barney) Spruill, Medical School Facilities

Lester Spruill, a control center operator in the safety and security division of Architecture & Facilities at the School of Medicine, died on October 4 at the age of 60.

A 23-year-veteran of the University, Mr. Spruill--known as Barney--began as a utility person in facilities management in May of 1976. After serving in the mail room and with a brief stint as supervisor there, in 1989 he became a security officer in the new division being formed as part of the expanded facilities management function. There he was promoted to control center operator in 1995.

He was "a dedicated and conscientious employee who was well liked by all who came in contact with him," said Safety & Security Director James Atkinson. This included not only those who knew him in his security role, but also the many doctors and nurses he met and befriended as a dialysis patient at HUP for over ten years. "He will be greatly missed by all," said Mr. Atkinson.

Memorial Service: A memorial service will be held in honor of Barney Spruill on October 27, at 4 p.m. in the BRB II/III Auditorium of the School of Medicine. All who wish to attend are welcome. A donation is being made to the Diabetes Research Foundation at Penn in his name. Those who wish to contribute may send their checks, payable to the foundation and designating the name of Lester Spruill, to the Diabetes Research Foundation, C501 Richards Building, 3700 Hamilton Walk/6085.


Almanac, Vol. 46, No. 9, October 26, 1999

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