Paul Bieniek
pbb001@marietta.edu
In the midst of winter break, Dec. 26th is normally a day of relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends for members of the Marietta College community. But last year it was a day of mourning. Sophomore Caitlin Yager, a beloved sister, peer mentor, student–athlete, and friend died in a car accident in Huron County, OH.
Almost a year later, Marietta College students have launched a new project to celebrate Caitlin’s life called “Caitlin’s Cards.” According to junior Annalee Haviland, the idea hatched when she was talking with her family about ways to honor Caitlin. After giving the matter some thought, she decided cards would be an appropriate tribute.
“Caitlin was well known around campus for sending personalized notes to her friends, sorority sisters, mentees, teammates and peers to convey encouragement and well wishes,” said Haviland, who ran cross country with Caitlin. “Receiving a hand-written note from Caitlin was bound to brighten your day and illustrated her love for people and her consideration of others above her own stresses. We decided that by continuing to spread the sharing of notes, we would be preserving Caitlin’s spirit here in Marietta and beyond.”
In the summer of 2013, Haviland created a Facebook page where Caitlin’s friends and family submitted quotes and ideas for the project. Sophomore Caroline Sigmon used these submissions as inspiration for her hand-drawn artwork that appears on the cards.
Sigmon, a graphic design/public relations double major, stated that, “Each card has a direct quote that Caitlin was known or recognized for. Some of the cards are actually copies of notes Caitlin sent to other people. We wanted to capture her essence.”
Sigmon explained her thought process behind the artwork.
“I wanted the cards to be thematic so it was clear they were a set,” she said. “I also wanted the designs to be relatively simple so the focus is on the text.”
Haviland added that if all goes as planned, Caitlin’s Cards should be available for purchase in the Marietta College bookstore starting Homecoming week, which runs October 8th through the 12th. All proceeds from sales of the cards will be donated to a fund established in Caitlin’s memory that provides financial support to students participating in the Office of Civic Engagement’s Alternative Winter Break trip to the Dominican Republic.
