On Sunday, January 21st, a group of approximately 75 people gathered at CSJ’s Athletic Center to retire Number 24, in memory of Sandy Casey ’04, who died in the Las Vegas shooting last October 1st.
Along with many members of Sandy’s family, including her fiancée, many of Sandy’s former teammates and suitemates came from around the country to attend the ceremony on campus, as others watched on Facebook Live. Before heading off to an away game, the current CSJ Women’s Basketball team attended the ceremony, at the specific request of Sandy’s friends.
President Larry Jensen welcomed those in attendance, noting that in her personal growth, professional and intellectual development, and service to the community, Sandy embodied the values of CSJ. The Chairman of the CSJ Board of Trustees, Jim Reddy, and his wife, Betsy, also were present.
One of Sandy’s closest friends, Jessica Frazier Munson ’04, spoke on behalf of all present, telling stories about the friends’ years on campus with Sandy, and sharing a letter Sandy wrote to her friends at the end of her freshman year about how much she would miss them during the summer–a letter which now has new meaning.
Assistant Athletic Director Cameron Curler and the president of CSJ’s Alumni Association, Melissa Knipes ’91 unveiled the framed #24 Casey jersey that will hang in the Athletic Center. Sandy’s teammates presented a second framed jersey to Sandy’s parents. A third jersey will be sent to California for Sandy’s fiancée, Christopher Willemse, to keep.
Many of the guests stayed for a reception in the Athletic Center lobby, taking time to visit with one another and pose for pictures in the gymnasium.
As a memorial gift to the college, Sandy’s friends will place a stone bench on campus in the spring.
As Sandy studied Special Education at CSJ, her friends have also established a scholarship in her memory, to assist current and future Education majors. Donations to the Sandy Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made securely online at csj.edu/alumni/donate/, or by mail to College of St. Joseph, Development and Alumni Relations Office, 71 Clement Road, Rutland, VT 05701-3899.
(Pictured L-R:)
(Nicole Caso ‘04, Jessica [Frazier] Munson ’04, Danielle Toth ‘04, and Sara Gregory ‘04)