Members of the College community came together for an intimate, somber gathering at the chapel to celebrate and remember the life of Kathryn Scott '06 last Friday.
Scott, who had been on leave from Bowdoin since September, died after a New Hampshire car crash last month.
"We gather together this day, surrounded by the mysteries of life and death. We come because in the great tapestry of human life the threads of our lives have been woven together with Katie's," said Reverend Mary Baard, who officiated Saturday's service.
"In speaking with her friends, I gained an image of a young woman who was quietly passionate and had an artist's heart," Baard said. "Her soul knew both the highs and lows of life."
Carla Cambiasso Helfer '06 recalled her friend's humility, frankness, and sense of humor.
"We shared laughter, we shared tears, we shared advice," Helfer said. "It was a gift to make her laugh."
The gathering started with a welcome by Baard, which was followed by a violin piece performed by Timothy Kantor '07. In her address, Baard emphasized Scott's creative side, recalling her love of dancing, acting, and photography. She also mentioned how, "in recent months, she found herself in the grips of depression."
"I am grateful for all of you who reached out to Katie and offered her support in these days," Baard said. "And I grieve with you that in her case, this illness had such a powerful and destructive grip. Yet, I trust that nothing?not even death?can break the bonds of friendship and love."
Baard read a passage from the Bible and fan excerpt from Madeline L'Engle's book, A Wrinkle in Time.
Scott's friends Elizabeth Mengesha '06 and Helfer also spoke at the service. Mengesha read from a poem she had written after learning of Scott's death, and then Helfer described her relationship with Scott.
Director of the Counseling Service Bernie Hershberger followed with a statement from Scott's father, Herman Scott. In that statement, Scott's father called on the Bowdoin community to "realize the healing power of sharing Katie's stories," and to "celebrate her life by fulfilling your own potential."
"She clearly blossomed during her time here," he wrote. "All of us can go forward with her beautiful spirit in our hearts."
The dance group Obvious also performed a dance, wearing t-shirts that read "In Loving Memory/Katie Scott." Dean of Student Affairs Craig Bradley read a poem by Mary Oliver, "When Death Comes." The service was concluded by Baard, who read her final remarks. A gathering in Moulton Union followed the service.