Memorial Fund Established in Memory of Environmental Science Student

It is with great sadness that the Environmental Science Program learned that one of our students, Kyunga "Katie" Bu, passed away on October 22, 2006. 

Katie was working towards a dual-degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management and Engineering and was an amazing student both in the classroom and outside of it.  She served as a regular tutor and study group leader for her peers while also working on her Honors thesis in Dr. Schaefer's hemiptera lab.  Katie's passion for helping others was not limited to academics however.  As a mentor for both the UConn Asiantation Program and the Environmental Science Program she influenced countless incoming students.  Katie was also a gifted artist and vocalist, who sang in UConn's a cappella group, A minor. 

Katie's passion for conserving the environment was apparent to all who knew her, and she was well known for encouraging her less environmentally savvy friends to come along the Earth to UConn hiking or apple picking trips.  Her career goals reflected this passion for helping both people and the environment as well.  Katie had recently said, “I have a vague plan to do something in the 3rd World, where people live in harsh and unsanitary environments.  They need someone to teach them how to manage and grow food without depleting their resources..." The earth lost a true champion with her passing.  Katie, you will be greatly missed. 

A scholarship fund has been established in Katie's memory.  Donations may be made to the Katie Bu Memorial Fund, a scholarship fund to support undergraduates who are pursuing degrees and conducting research in an environmental science.  In Katie's application to the Honors Program, she wrote: "Today, mankind faces severe challenges in effective management of natural resources as well as restoring stability of natural processes. It needs strong, educated environmental minds that can awaken the public, develop solutions to existing problems, and prevent further destruction in the future."  This fund will support those students who share Katie's vision for an informed public who are committed to a healthy and sustainable environment.  Please make checks payable to: The UConn Foundation, Inc. and forward to the following address: 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, Connecticut  06269.