Sandra “Sandy” Dawn Turpin, general studies senior, died on Tuesday, March 29. She was 33 years old and lived in Depauw, Ind.
Turpin was known for her generosity and laughter. Turpin’s kindness was evident at her visitation, where Jaarad Taylor, 2008 IUS political science alumnus and Turpin’s cousin, said there were more than 300 people waiting in line to show their respect. Taylor said her family was not aware of all the good Turpin did.
“She was so modest,” Taylor said. “[You] never could find out what she was doing.”
Taylor said Turpin was involved in a literacy program that involved going to a local county jail and helped inmates read. Taylor also said Turpin helped provide clothing to homeless people.
Turpin was active not only in her community but at IU Southeast, as well.
James Bonsall, business senior, said Turpin was in the Student Government Association for at least five years. Part of her time in SGA was spent as a senator and helping the executive office. From 2006-07, Turpin served as SGA chief justice. Taylor said it was while he and Turpin were on the SGA that they learned they were related.
During the Campus Commitment to Student Learning Awards, Turpin and Taylor, along with their parents, attended the ceremony and were recognized.
Taylor said he will miss the times he spent with Turpin in SGA.
Ann McNally, 2010 IUS computer science alumnae, was another former SGA member who was in SGA with Turpin, and she said Turpin had a heart of gold.
“[Turpin was] always there with a smile and a willingness to help others,” McNally said.
During Turpin’s time in SGA, she along with fellow SGA members created the Campus Beatification Day, a day when the campus gets together and works on the campus landscape.
Greg Roberts, academic adviser, said Turpin wanted to give back to the campus and do something good for the environment.
Turpin’s willingness to help became apparent to Allison Dudley, 2009 IUS chemistry alumnae. Dudley said Turpin helped her through her first two years at IU Southeast.
“She was very easy to talk to,” Dudley said, “and when I was a freshman/sophomore, I was scared to death of the thought of being in charge of something on campus until I met Sandy and a few others who made me more comfortable with myself and saw what all I could accomplish.”
Turpin was also a part of the non-traditional student union, served as an ambassador, mentor, tutor, active in the Adult Student Center and a member of Omicrom Delta Kappa, a National Leadership Honor
Society.
“She lived and breathed IU Southeast,” Roberts said.
Roberts said Turpin was always willing to help out in the School of Arts and Letters and anywhere she was needed.
“I think this campus is going to miss her greatly,” Roberts said.
Turpin graduated from North Harrison High School in 1996. She was expected to graduate from IU Southeast this August and was going to walk in May.
The SGA passed a resolution to have a moment of silence at graduation for students who died this year, but the administration denied the request.
As a result, the SGA has considered other ways to honor these students — like planting a tree in their memory.
Turpin is survived by her mother, Sarah, father, Keith, and sister, Beth.
By AMANDA FRENCH
Features Editor
aafrench@imail.iu.edu
