By: Veronica Pettyjohn ’18, Co-Editor
LVC hosted its annual Delta Alpha Pi induction ceremony in April where one special student was awarded his degree.
Gabriel Pfeiffer, known around campus as Gabe, is only the second student to receive his degree in Memoriam in school history. He became a member of Delta Alpha Pi in 2015, and was only one semester away from graduating from LVC with a degree in English.
Pfeiffer passed away on June 30, 2017, at home on his 25th birthday. He suffered from Alstrom Syndrome, which caused him to lose his sight, his hearing and his organs to fail. He is deeply missed by the LVC community.
Faculty, staff and students reflected on Gabe’s time at LVC and have much to say about the impact he left on the College.
“Losing Gabriel Pfeiffer, not only as a person for whom we cared deeply, but also from our campus community and from the community of the arts and letters creates a real hole in our creative and intellectual landscape,” Dr. Holly Wendt, assistant professor of English and director of Creative Writing, said.
Gabe had taken many of Wendt’s creative writing courses over the duration of his collegiate career. Wendt had spent time with Gabe not only as his instructor but as his academic advisor. Having a creative writing concentration, the two collaborated on his Creative Writing portfolio for the required Capstone project.
“I remember Gabe’s excellent and witty sense of humor, as well as his interest in and talent for world-building in his creative writing,” Wendt said. “He was a fun student to have in class, one who enriched the room and the conversation and had an incredible memory for detail.”
Julie Wiker, a senior English and German major, fondly remembers Gabe from the countless classes the two had together.
“Most people remember Gabe being very quiet, but when he had something important to say, he was unafraid to speak up and say it,” Wiker said. “He was a funny, bright and a creative individual.”
Gabe’s presence at Lebanon Valley College helped to raise awareness about accessibility for those with sensory impairments. Dawn Showers, LVC’s former director of accessibility resources, developed a close relationship with Gabe during their time together.
“Gabe always had a warm smile and polite disposition even when he wasn’t feeling well,” Showers said. “He will leave a lasting impression on LVC and the hearts of all who knew him.”
Gabe’s parents, Diane Johnson and Steve Pfeiffer received Gabe’s degree on his behalf. It was an emotional moment for those who attended the ceremony.