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by Staff Writer On Wednesday, April 4, our beloved Bree Gutu passed away due to heart complications. As some of you may have known, Bree struggled for a long time battling this condition, but never lost her determination to fight it. She was the matriarch of the Student Union and embodied everything that we at SCube are about - cultural pride, education for all poor and oppressed people, and community. She will greatly be missed, but never forgotten. She was a Peer Mentor at SCube for the last six years, the founding President of the Polynesian club, graduate of the School of Unity and Liberation's (SOUL) 2005 Summer School, and was recently accepted into the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program. As a long time student at City College, she participated in a multitude of student-led campaigns to demand education for low-income students of color, culturally relevant classes, and increased services for underrepresented students at Bree had a vision for making City College a home for students historically neglected by the educational system. One of her most proudest accomplishments was the creation of IDST 45 - the first and only course focusing on the Pacific Islander experience in the U.S. at City College. Bree was an important advocate for the Asian Pacific American Student Success (APASS) program. And most recently wanted to create a program designed specifically for addressing the needs of Polynesian students at City. Most of us that knew Bree, cannot imagine City College without her bold, warrior spirit. She had a natural ability to command the respect and attention of many in a gentle, yet powerful way. She is the heart and soul of the Student Union and gave so much of her life in order to create a community for others. Despite her many accomplishments, there was still so much more that she wanted to achieve. Her vision is carried out in every single one of us and we know that she has left us with a responsibility to continue the work that she started. We, at SCube are still in great shock over this monumental loss and would like to open up our office for any of her friends, family, and loved ones who would like to share memories of her. We will be building an altar in her honor in the Student Union, and welcome all of you to join us. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Gutu family, and to Alesana -her soul-mate, partner, and "love of her life". We will post information regarding upcoming events to commemorate and celebrate our beloved Bree as soon as it becomes available. Mabuhay Bree! Long live Galoma Bree Gutu!
Manatua Pea Oe! We will always remember you!
Your struggle continues through everyone whose life has been transformed by you. We will never forget.
The SCube Staff – |
Original Post Date
2007-08-06 11:00 PM
Original Body