SUNY New Paltz community members gathered on March 12 at 5:30 p.m. outside of Hasbrouck Dining Hall to pay respects to Sodexo employee Precious Newkirk. Newkirk, 25, passed away on March 3, 2015 due to a car accident while traveling to work on Route 32. She was a well-known face to many within the SUNY New Paltz community. Many who knew Newkirk gathered to tell stories and memories that they shared and to memorialize her. Over 100 students as well as other Sodexo employees, family, and friends attended the memorial and candlelight vigil. Newkirk who was a well known employee at Hasbrouck Dining Hall worked at the desert and coffee station and always had a smile on her face. Those who gathered told stories about how she touched them with her kind heart and consideration.
A family member of Precious Newkirk stands with his head down as students and friends read off memorial statements and stories at the memorial and candlelight vigil. To memorialize her, hundreds of students, friends, and family gathered in a show of respect. Photo by Erica Blaize
