In Memory: CS Student Corey Nielsen

5/12/2009

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Computer science student Corey Nielsen died August 25 from complications due to paraplegia and diabetes.

Corey was a unique presence in the department, and those who had the pleasure of teaching him will remember him well for his active and curious mind. He was well-known for his engaging style in class and with fellow students and for his friendly and affable nature. It was not uncommon to see him sitting in the coffee shop with friends, poring over a homework assignment.

"Corey was always an active contributor in his classes, sharing his expertise with other students cheerfully and with a comfortable ease. His classmates clearly benefited from his openness and inquisitiveness," said Cinda Heeren, lecturer in computer science.

"Corey was always fun, alive, alert, and caring. He knew the names of every member of our class," said Marsha Woodbury, lecturer in computer science. "What I particularly enjoyed about Corey was how he inserted liveliness into each class. We cherish students who are smiling and giving like Corey was."

Corey will be greatly missed by all of us in computer science. He had often said he was proud to be able to study computer science at Illinois. We are equally proud to have been able to call him one of our own.

Contributions in Corey's memory may be made to the Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America or to the LDS Humanitarian Relief Fund.


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This story was published May 12, 2009.