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Spring/Summer 1998, Vol. 60, No. 3

Students recognize a warrior

By Jennifer Rensenbrink

On May 4, a memorial service was held for Anita Hawthorne at Augsburg for students, staff and alumni to recognize the impact she had on their lives.

"We're here to celebrate. We're here to share," said Tammy Solarin, a student at Augsburg. "Some of us are going to cry. Some of us are going to laugh. But most of all, we'll remember the giving and the living of M. Anita Hawthorne."

Anita was a poet, a "mother" to the students she took under her wing and a warrior in everything she accomplished.

"Augsburg was very fortunate in that Anita brought to this campus ... the role of nurturer," said Mary Lou Williams, assistant professor of social work.

The service also featured a speech by Mrs. Ntsikie Biko, widow of South African activist Stephen Bantu Biko. Biko briefly talked about her husband's life, then compared it with Hawthorne's. "Leaders are leaders because of their ability to work with people, and to infuse their strengths into others. I think this is what Anita also did."

Chad Jackson, who graduated in 1997, said "Ms. Anita was definitely a true warrior, and now that she has gone it is up to us to be her soldiers, and continue her passion and continue her vision."

The afternoon memorial service featured music, readings of Hawthorne's poems and a slide show.

During the faculty/staff tributes to M. Anita Hawthorne at the service, Cindy Peterson, director of American Indian student services, told of a gift she once bought for Anita. It was a pin with a picture of a hawthorn on it. "The hawthorn is an ancient symbol of hope. It is said that those who wear it will carry a bright and hopeful heart into life wherever they may go."

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