Phi Sigma Pi to remember member in memorial service
by Richard Sakshaug / news editor
AMY EVERTZ / photo contributor
Megan Stidham
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A JMU student was declared dead at Rockingham Memorial Hospital
Nov. 14 at about 3:30 p.m.
Sophomore Megan Stidham, 18, of Hopewell, passed out in Chesapeake
Hall at about 2 p.m., according to Fred Hilton, director of University
Communications.
Campus police and the rescue squad were called and she was rushed
to Rockingham Memorial Hospital where doctors declared her dead,
according to Hilton.
The cause of death has not been determined, but there is no indication
of foul play, according to Hilton.
Stidham was accepted into the Phi Sigma Pi honors fraternity in
spring 2001. She was a member of the fraternity's service committee,
according to chapter president senior Wayne Journell.
"She was someone who always looked out for the benefit of others
before she thought of herself," Journell said. "She was
a very outgoing person who could brighten someone's day simply
by talking to them."
Junior Jessica Miller was Stidham's Phi Sigma Pi big brother.
"Megan was always smiling and was more interested in finding
out how you were doing than in talking about her problems,"
Miller said. "She was so genuine. Another thing that sticks
out in my mind about her is that she was very honest and fun to
be around, and [she] made me laugh all the time."
Her friends said they also will remember her for her love of classic
rock, tie-dye shirts and beanie babies.
"She was a very warm and caring person," said senior Amy
Evertz, another member of Phi Sigma Phi.
Phi Sigma Pi will be holding a memorial service through JMU for
Megan's family and friends. The service will be held to honor
her and show how she was cared for by members of the JMU community,"
according to Journell. The memorial will be held Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.
in ISAT 159.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Kay Stidham,
Megan's mother. She said Phi Sigma Pi is "a top-notch
group. They've been great."
Ms. Stidham said her daughter loved being at JMU. "She was
happy at JMU and felt connected with (Phi Sigma Pi)."
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House,
2330 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220.
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