Words are not enough
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Opinion
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Student Body President Eve Carson, ever a radiant, glowing presence on campus, was tragically taken from us.
Without a doubt, UNC will miss her dearly.
Eve was the kind of person who, just by nature, was a ray of sunshine everywhere she went.
That might have been what stood out most about Eve. The first things she always brought to the table were her cheerful demeanor, her smile and her enthusiasm.
No matter the issue, Eve was excited. It's astounding that one person could care about so many other issues, whether it was sustainability or diversity or tuition, and still have the time to invest in other people like she did.
The quotes on this page are an attempt to illustrate her impact on campus. While no amount of words or pictures can ever encompass what she meant to so many at UNC, we hope to provide a small window into that.
Eve the student body president will be remembered, and the next administration will pick up where she left off.
But Eve the friend, Eve the person, is irreplaceable. Her most lasting legacy will be in the people who are better off just for having known her.
Trying to understand what happened is a futile effort. The senseless, violent death of someone so young can never have an adequate explanation.
And yet, for the rest of us, this precious gift that we call life will go on.
All we can do is make the best of life while we have it, and that means making the world a better place for everyone around us.
That's what Eve did every day.
"I never knew a more absolutely brilliant person in all senses of the word."
J.J. Raynor, Student Body President-elect
"If you took everything away from her, all her
academic accolades, she would still be such an amazing person."
Kelli Clifton, went to high school with Carson
"She loved Carolina and her enthusiasm was so infectious.
When she walked into a room she filled it up. Her persona was magnetic."
Doug Dibbert, director, General Alumni Association
"She was what you hope your child will become. … She did so many things so well."
Joe Templeton, chairman of the faculty
"Let us be the University that Eve Carson envisioned.
Let us show the Carolina Way that she lived."
Chancellor James Moeser
"This is going to leave a terrible void in the community. This is going to affect everybody who loved Chapel Hill and the University as much as Eve did."
Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy
"My wife and I were on the absolute periphery of the people who knew her and were touched by her; I'm sure that's a huge number at UNC."
Matt Czajkowski, Chapel Hill Town Council member
"She just always went the extra mile to be nice to people and show her appreciation. I just couldn't help but think what tremendous things she was going to do in the world."
Tom Jensen, Chapel Hill resident who worked with Eve
"She was just full of life. When she was in a room or part of a discussion it took on a different dimension. She was full of ideas and wanted to explore opportunities."
Nelson Schwab, board of trustees member, chairman of chancellor search committee
"You knew you were in the presence of someone who cared about you, who was compassionate and who was passionate about her beliefs."
Roger Perry, board of trustees chairman
"Eve is the kind of girl you want your daughter to grow up to be. … She is one of the most perfect children I've ever worked with. … She was beautiful inside and out."
Maxine Easom, Principal at Clarke Central High School, Athens, Ga.
"There was nothing Eve Carson couldn't do."
Margie Shedd, The mother of Jarrett Shedd, a high-school friend of Carson
"She had a rare ability to connect with people that touched many at Carolina."
James Allred, 2006-07 Student Body President
"She was a genuinely good person. I don't think she's ever done anything bad to anybody."
Ashley Harrington, vice chairwoman of town relations committee
"She became student body president and never lost interest in the little things."
David Mikush, friend of four years
"She had everything going for her. Everything. Beautiful, smart, talented. It's just a tragedy. She was a really good person."
Cara Gewolb, friend of four years
"My friend and I were just talking, and if you could pick one person who was just a beautiful person inside and out, it would be her."
Kathryn Blackmar, classmate of Eve
"I know when I'm up there tolling the bell it will be hard because I know who I'm playing for."
David Steele, master bell ringer
