VOL. 23, NO. 24	JUNE 12, 1998

Claudia Morey.

laudia Morey was typical of her fellow students at the School of General Studies in that she was determined to make the most of another chance to earn a bachelor’s degree. She was also intelligent and hard-working. But her courage and unfailing good humor in the face of a devastating health problem were nothing short of remarkable.

  This year, she had finally reached her goal as an English major and planned to march with her classmates in Columbia’s May 20th Commencement exercises. Tragically, however, Claudia died on Jan. 9, 1998, four days before her 28th birthday, of a very severe seizure disorder, which she had battled since age 12. In her place, her sister, Victoria, a 1997 Barnard graduate, accepted her diploma.

  Before coming to Columbia in the summer of 1994, Claudia had distinguished herself as a leader at Kingsborough College in Brooklyn and then at S.U.N.Y.–Binghamton, where she was active in Circle K International, a service fraternity.

  “Claudia was a selfless person,” said Richard Ferraro, GS dean of students. “She took great pleasure in serving as a volunteer tutor, especially for persons who were trying to learn English as a second language. And at Kingsborough, she was a tireless officer in the local Honor Society, which engaged itself in worthwhile service undertakings.”

  Her health problem was one of the reasons that she came back to New York City. She had major surgery in 1993, but the good results were only temporary.

  “She was rather like a welterweight in a boxing ring with a heavyweight,” said Ferraro. “She lasted 16 years by virtue of her grit and determination, warding off many powerful blows, but eventually she fell.

  “Some might say that Claudia’s death represents an unspeakable sadness—and at a certain level this is true. And yet her entire life and the final act—the completion of her degree—represent causes for celebration.”