University community mourns student
The University community said goodbye this week to Nicole D. Johnson, a 5th semester sophomore who died September 15.

"The University joins Nicole's family and friends in mourning her death," President Philip E. Austin said. "I was deeply distressed to hear of her untimely passing. Nicole was a friendly young woman with great ambition, and her loss is a tragedy for the entire University community. I extend my deepest condolences to Nicole's family."

Johnson, of New Hempstead, N.Y., lived in Eddy Residence Hall in West Campus. She majored in pre-sports and leisure studies and hoped to be a physical therapist, working with athletes. She also was a soprano in the UConn Voices of Freedom choir.

The funeral took place on September 20 in New York. Two buses transported about 80 friends and officials from Storrs to the funeral. Among those who attended were Dean of Students Sharon Kipetz, African American Cultural Center Director Willena Price, and Cyrus Williams and Marie McCain of the Center for Academic Programs.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, at the African American Cultural Center, with Johnson's family.

Support needed for chronically ill friend of UConn
"Our dad, Tim Semenchuk, has chronic myelogenous leukemia. He will die without a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, to save his life will cost as much as $350,000 more than our insurance will cover," Tim's three children write in an open letter to their friends in Connecticut seeking support for their father. "This is more money than we can even imagine ... but if a lot of people give a little, it could add up to what we need."

Tim is the husband of Ev Semenchuk, a member of the UConn staff from 1988 to 1996. The family moved to Colorado Springs last September. Ev and Tim are the parents of Jon (18), Tiffany (17), and Ashley (11). Jon particularly depends on his father because he is autistic.

Support can be offered, the children write, by sending donations in Tim Semenchuk's name to the National Transplant Assistance Fund at 6 Bryn Mawr Avenue, P.O. Box 258, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, or by calling (610) 527-5056. "Dad has the will to live and you can give him the chance," write the children. "Your support is critical."

Blood donors needed
UConn's fall blood drive will take place at the African American Cultural Center during the week beginning October 6. The hours are Monday and Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free lunch will be provided. To donate blood, please call (800) 448-3543 for an appointment. To volunteer, call Red Cross representative Lily Smith at (800) 994-9411.

Students sought for alumni asssociation scholarships
The Alumni Association is seeking applicants for scholarships. The association will award approximately 60 scholarships to students at the University for the academic year 1998-99. Full-time undergraduate students and students who will attend UConn full-time for first year graduate study are eligible. The awards will be based on academic performance, financial need, excellence in field of study, and University/community-related extracurricular activities or employment. Applications are available Wednesday, October 1 through Friday, November 7. The deadline for completed applications is Friday, November 14. For information, contact Robbyn Haboian-Demircan at (860) 486-2240.