[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY REMEMBRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RANDY HULTGREN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, three years ago this week, the community 
of Northern Illinois University was scarred by an act of senseless 
violence. The NIU family--including the students, faculty, 
administration, and alumni--has been a model of perseverance and 
compassion in the wake of this tragedy and I join the people of DeKalb 
and my whole district in honoring their resilience and courage.
  The five victims of the February 14, 2008 shooting demonstrate how 
terrible it is when lives and the promise of bright futures are cut 
short.
  Ryanne Mace was an excellent student who liked to knit blankets and 
baby clothing. Her family said ``She was ten thousand times better than 
the best parts of each of us.''
  Gayle Dubowski sang in her high school choir, acted in musicals and 
loved to draw. ``She went out of her way. She was a really sweet and 
genuine person,'' said a friend. ``She was so happy, open and 
serving,'' said another friend, ``I know that she shone so brightly for 
God on that campus.''
  Catalina Garcia was the youngest daughter of immigrants. They 
believed education was the path to the American dream and Cati, as she 
was called, hoped to become a teacher.
  Dan Parmenter was a gentle giant. He joined the staff of the Northern 
Star newspaper and worked hard, received recognition, and was 
experiencing the satisfaction that comes from doing what you love and 
doing it well.
  Julianna Gehant was an Army Reservist and an aspiring teacher. She 
loved serving her country and had been deployed to Bosnia before coming 
to NIU. She wanted to continue to serve in the classroom where she 
could help young people and be closer to her family.
  Every death is a loss, but the deaths of these young people are 
especially tragic; their lives would have touched and impressed so many 
others. This week, I join the community of North Illinois University in 
honoring their memory and I will continue, along with the people of the 
14th district, to pray for the families and friends of those who died 
and support the NIU community as they continue to move forward.

                          ____________________