Penn State freshman Vivian Spendley died on April 3 from a brain aneurysm. Spendley was 19 and a speech language pathology major at Penn State.

The Alexandria, Virginia, native “was a light in the world, and we were all the better for having that light shine on us for however brief we were blessed to have her in our lives,” her obituary read.

“Viv had a gift for cultivating friendships with amazing people, and her friendships at Penn State were no different,” it continued. “She prized quality over quantity, and even though Vivian was at school less than a year, her impact on the lives she touched was significant. We have no doubt her presence will be felt by friends at Penn State with whom she developed meaningful and lasting connections.”

Spendley often frequented “a carefully scouted pocket of the library at Penn State” where she felt most at home, the obituary noted in regard to her time in Happy Valley.

“It is with heavy hearts that we received the news of Vivian’s passing,” Penn State spokesperson Lisa Powers told Onward State. “Our sincerest condolences are extended to her family and friends as they navigate through this challenging period of loss. Officials from Student Affairs have been in contact with her family to offer resources and support.”

Spendley’s full obituary can be accessed here. The Spendley family asked that contributions be made in Spendley’s name to The Brain Aneurysm Foundation and The Women’s Center in lieu of flowers.

Counseling resources are available for students at CAPS for individuals seeking grief and mental health support.