Memorials

Robert August Koranda '02

Published in Jan. 28, 2004, issue

Rob Koranda died June 29, 2003, in a Chicago porch collapse that claimed 13 other young lives.

With Rob's passing, Princeton has lost a beloved son. Bright, spontaneous, and charming, armed with an infectious smile and spirit, he warmed and inspired those fortunate enough to have known him.

Rob grew up in Naperville, Ill., where he was captain of his high school football team. A lifelong volunteer, Rob mentored high school leaders at the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Ranch in Colorado.

At Princeton, Rob was a history major, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and a member of Cottage Club. When an injury sidelined his football career, Rob embraced rugby and earned the Christopher D. Mello '98 Award. After graduation, Rob worked for LaSalle Bank in Chicago and lived with Thomas Rowland '02. Just before his untimely death, he had returned to Princeton to celebrate his first reunion.

Rob is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Sue; his sister, Katie, and her husband, Scott Tanaka; and his brother, John. Donations to the Robert A. Koranda '02 Memorial Fund may be sent to Nancy Kalmikoff, Princeton University, P.O. Box 5357, Princeton, NJ 08543. The class extends its deepest sympathy to the Koranda family.

Angela Michelle Ovecka '02

Published in Nov. 5, 2003, issue

Angela Ovecka was killed in a car accident in New Mexico Aug. 1, 2003. She was dedicated to all that she did â€” her studies, her music, her family, and her friendships.

At Princeton, she graduated summa cum laude in civil engineering, played flute, served as president of the wind ensemble, and was a member of Charter Club.

Angela had a wide smile and a sparkle in her eyes that demonstrated her zest for life and compassion for others. She always had time to listen and to sympathize. She cooked hearty breakfasts for her fellow structural engineers before morning exams; she delivered anonymous gifts as the "thesis fairy" to friends during the stressful senior spring; and she relished a good surprise. Ange could be found equally at home working in the basement of the E-Quad on her steel bridge as well as spinning on the dance floor. For her devotion and spontaneity, we will miss her. The class offers its condolences to Angela's parents; her sister, Elaine; her brother, David; and all those whose lives were touched by her smile and her thoughtfulness.

Matthew Weiner '02

Published in Apr. 21, 1999, issue

Matthew Weiner '02, a Wilson College resident from Medford, New Jersey, died on March 22 after collapsing from cardiac arrest during a game of pickup basketball on a court near Spelman Hall. He was 19. The Mercer County Medical Examiner's Office will attempt to determine the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Weiner studied Latin and architecture and indicated an interest in becoming an architect. A varsity swimmer, he participated in eight intercollegiate varsity meets, including the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming League championships. Weiner came to Princeton from the Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey, where in his sophomore and junior years he was chosen an Academic All-America by Swimming World magazine.

Several weeks before his death, Weiner had fainted during a swim meet. But after being examined by a cardiologist, he was deemed to have no underlying medical problem.

Weiner's twin sister, Cristina, is a student and swimmer at Harvard. His younger brother, Kevin, is a student at Peddie.