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Dear Fellow 'Canes,
It is with deep sadness and regret that I inform you of the loss of one of our students. Joanna Jara, a senior majoring in general motion pictures in the School of Communication, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26, after a long-term battle with sarcoma cancer. The University has been in regular contact with Joanna’s family, and we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to them and to her many friends. Please keep them in your thoughts in the following days.
Originally from Satellite Beach, Florida, Joanna’s energy and excitement was infectious. She was an incredible human being who spread her love for people and music wherever she went. Her faculty and advisors describe her as one of the most caring and inclusive students they have ever worked with.
This year, Joanna was looking forward to being the general manager of WVUM 90.5 FM, the University’s student-run radio station. She was an integral member of the WVUM family since she first arrived on campus and has left a lasting legacy. She had previously served as the programming director and was dedicated to the station as it had kept her striving to reach her goals.
It was devastating to learn her cancer had returned in March and then to learn she would not be able to return to UM. Due to the circumstances, Dr. Paul Driscoll visited her two weeks ago to present her graduation diploma.
I know the UM community will join me in supporting Joanna’s family and her many friends and honoring Joanna’s memory during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Patio. Joanna’s family will join us in honoring her life and lasting legacy.
As always, counseling and support services are available to all members of the UM community. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time to the following:
Counseling Center:
305-284-5511
www.miami.edu/counseling-center
University Chaplains:
www.miami.edu/chaplains
Sincerely,
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely
Vice President for Student Affairs
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