Always in Our Hearts: DeSales Dedicates Memorial Plaque at Weiland Park
Hundreds of alumni, students, and members of the DSU community gathered at Weiland Park during Homecoming and Family Weekend for a poignant tribute.
Tim Neiman, head baseball coach, helped to dedicate a memorial plaque honoring Nicholas White ’19, Emily Kattner ’19, and Sean Hanczaryk ’21.
On March 6, 2021, the three were killed in a car accident near campus. At the time, Hanczaryk was a senior sport and exercise physiology major and a member of the baseball team. White also played on the team as a student.
“This is a special moment for us today. We’re going to commemorate and remember three very special students here at DeSales University who left us way too soon. But their spirit lives with us every day.”
As the families of White, Kattner, and Hanczaryk looked on, Neiman explained how he had the plaque strategically placed.
“It’s facing the field so they can watch every time we’re here: practice, games, they’re always watching. They see everything that’s going on; now and forever.”
Father Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Ph.D., chief of staff and vice president for mission, blessed the plaque and also had a special message for the families.
“Your sons and daughter blessed us so incredibly well,” Fr. Nadolski told them, “that we return the favor of making sure that anytime and every time you and your family come back to DeSales, there’s a landmark to show you about the marks that they’ve left in our hearts.”