By Molly Igoe
News Editor
Jacob Marberger was a friend, a student, a son, and many other things to many people. His promising life was cut far too short on Saturday, Nov. 21 when he was found dead near Hamburg, Pa.
Jacob’s roommate sophomore Joseph Swit, who also roomed with him spring semester of last year, spoke highly of his intelligence and wit. He said, “The first time I met Jacob he was asking me to sign his petition for Senate. I immediately recognized that he was a special person. He spoke boldly about his goals for helping SGA and I could tell his passion and intellect knew no bounds.”
One of Jacob’s professors, Dr. Joseph Prud’homme, who also wrote the eulogy for Jacob’s memorial said, “Jacob was always extremely inquisitive and brought out the very best in me as a teacher. I remember so well that his desire to learn was insatiable, and his erudition, enormous. He always took time to work through complex problems and showed warmth and kindness to all in the class. He will be sorely missed.”
Swit also praised Jacob’s lively and inclusive nature. “There was never a dull moment with him. He was always there to enlighten us with his knowledge or cheer us up with one of his famous puns or in-depth jokes. Jacob was passionate about his political beliefs, but was always respectful of other people’s views. He actively sought out alternative opinions and was always open to new ideas. I learned that even as intelligent as Jacob was, he was an even better friend. He always wanted to make sure everyone was included and having a good time.”
Evan Brown, a childhood friend of Jacob’s said, “Jacob was one of my oldest friends; we’ve known each other since fifth or sixth grade. Though there were good times and bad times, over the course of all of those years Jacob was always so unapologetically himself. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in, to speak up when he had something to say, or to make some of the worst puns I have ever heard. I’m so happy to have been his friend. It still feels so impossible that he’s just gone. But I know that I and his other friends and family plan on carrying on his spirit, trying to live life as fearlessly as he did.”
Swit said, “An enduring image I have of Jacob as a roommate is when I would be sitting on my lofted bed and him at his desk. He would be browsing around on his computer or reading a book when suddenly he would turn in his chair to look up at me and his famous grin would creep across his face. Something profound had popped into Jacob’s head and that brilliant mind of his, bursting with joyful energy, and he couldn’t wait to share it with me and the rest of the world. I’d give anything to see that grin one more time.”
Jacob will be missed by his many professors and friends here in Chestertown and by his family and friends in his home of Cheltenham, Pa. He will not be forgotten, and will always remain a member of the Goose Nation.
“He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery