On Dec. 19, senior kinesiology student Jared Orzol, age 23, passed away in his sleep in the comfort of his home in Dove Canyon. His connections at Concordia remember him as a cheerful, fun and friendly student, who gave sincere care to both his studies and his peers.

"It was my pleasure to have had Jared in the classroom over the past semesters,” said Dr. Nathan Meier, Kinesiology faculty member. “He was a transfer student who brought a lot of smiles, questions, jokes and fun with him.”

"I am the Kinesiology Chair and Jared was in two classes with me,” Dr. Vance Tammen. “[He] would share card tricks with students and show magic tricks. I would intensely watch the tricks and I could never figure out how he did them. He had such a nice talent.”

Orzol’s interest and care for his classmates stood out to those who knew him. “Jared was a super friendly student who always knew every otherstudent'sname,” said Tammen. “He enjoyed talking with others and he always made sure to ask how they were doing, and how their week was going.”

“He quickly learned classmates' names, greeted them and asked how they were doing when they entered the classroom,” said Meier. “He enjoyed bringing donuts to share with his classmates at the end of each semester. He took joy and pride in learning and shared his enthusiasm with others by checking in with them, making sure they were understanding the material and offering his help when he could.”

Professors also recalled Orzol’s academic dedication. “He was quick to participate in discussion, share his thoughts and ask questions,” said Meier. “We interacted often in front of Eagles’ Landing as he studied between classes.”

“Jared would always stay after class to talk about the concepts we covered during class,” said Tammen. “I will miss Jared very much and I will miss our class interactions. Jared was a student who loved Concordia and who loved the mission of Concordia.”

Concordia mourns for the loss of one of its own, and all are encouraged to pray for peace and comfort for the Orzol family during this difficult time. “Jared loved the Lord and knew
through Christ's death and resurrection,” said Tammen. “The loss of a child is the worst experience a parent can have, and I continually pray for his parents, Brent and Jade, and his sister, Delaney.”

“Many aspects of God's Image showed through in Jared like love, gentleness, kindness, hope and joy,” said Meier. “Please, join me in praying for his dear family as they carry grief, but also beautiful memories, and remind each other often of Christ's victory on the cross and the promise of eternity with our great God and Redeemer."

Contributions to the Epilepsy Foundation in Jared's memory are encouraged at https://give.epilepsy.com/page/33651/donate/1.

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