The recovery of the remains of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Lauren Bessette yesterday confirmed that America's most high-profile family had endured yet another tragedy.
As the Kennedy and Bessette families mourn their losses, members of the University are also united in their reflection on the occurrence.
Most people preferred to emphasize the positive legacy that Kennedy left behind.
"For me, John Kennedy [Jr.] was an American icon, a symbol of promise, hope, and grace in the face of adversity," Assist. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said. "His life and those of his wife and sister-in-law were tangible signs of vigor and commitment."
"It's a real tragedy," said Brooke Brower, fourth-year College student and Jefferson Literary and Debating Society President. "But I think that his legacy will carry on just because of what he tried to do to make people more politically aware and socially conscious."
Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor, said Kennedy Jr.'s foray into magazine journalism was a good move to introduce politics into the lives of a younger generation.
"GEORGE magazine was not my cup of tea," Sabato said. "But I glanced through it regularly and give it and JFK Jr. credit for trying to interest young people in politics.
News reports have said that people followed Kennedy Jr.'s career so closely in part because they tried to second-guess his political aspirations.
The one occasion during which Kennedy Jr. hinted at political ambition occurred during the 1988 Democratic National Convention. There, he received a two-minute standing ovation from the crowd before he introduced his uncle, U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).
Such motives now will only be a matter of speculation.
"I have long believed that JFK Jr. would enter elective politics-and he hinted as much to me in a personal conversation two years ago," Sabato said. But "his actual involvement in politics was extremely limited."
William W. Harmon, vice president for student affairs, called Kennedy's death a "heartbreaking tragedy.
"In my opinion, his demonstrated ability to communicate with people, his zeal for life, and the uncommon way in which he refused to allow the advantages at his disposal to circumvent his interest and concern for others was unparalleled with his peers," Harmon said.
Laushway tried to make sense of the tragedy.
"One is led to contemplate the fragility of human life, and the need to appreciate and celebrate all that has been given to us each and every day," he said.
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