Chase Parr enchanted anyone who was lucky enough to wander into the storybook world that she carved in her path.  She’s remembered by some from a distance: the little blonde whipping by on her purple bike, wicker basket overflowing with books; the high-heeled head-turner who never failed to capture a room with her audacious dance moves; the girl who spoke up in every class, words almost lost in the melodic lightness of her voice. Some got to know Chase as the hall-mate practicing show tunes in the common room who never stopped smiling, even as she sang; the devoted academic who could remember book quotes at length but never seemed to keep track of her own phone; the eloquent party guest who could make Psi U feel like a Gatsby affair. Those who were lucky enough to call Chase a friend knew that seeking knowledge drove her spirit. She burned like fabulous yellow roman candles, slowing only when lost in the pages of her beloved novels.

Chase grew up in Denver, CO in a family known throughout their community for a strong devotion to politics, social justice and their innumerable friends. At the time of her death, Chase was a sophomore at Wesleyan and planning on majoring in American Studies or Government. She was particularly passionate about writing, politics and music, volunteering for campaigns on the regular and gracing several campus groups with her soprano voice. Chase loved to defy her image by proving that even a tiny blonde in a skirt could play on the rugby team and even a charming coquette could dominate any political debate.

Though she easily got lost wandering in the grandiose worlds of her imagination, Chase never failed to transport us with her. More than anything, she cared about her friends and family, especially her little sister, Katy. She would drop even the last page of a good book to take care of a friend in need. Chase’s own story was cut short but her character is still a favorite, remembered eternally by all who knew her.

-Bio written by Kendall McKinnon