PC: LinkedIn
Kristen Cerney
News Editor
Benedictine lost a family member when Courtney Croft suffered a stroke and died at the age of 33 on Saturday. Croft graduated from BenU with a Communication Arts degree in 2013, and has been Benedictine’s Marketing Manager since 2017.
News of her death left many shocked as she has been an integral part in BenU’s community for years. Her absence is felt as friends and coworkers come to grips with the devastating news.
“Courtney was more than a colleague; she was the friend you were glad to have at your side—always ready with a laugh or a helping hand,” said Trish Bovell, digital marketing coordinator at BenU. “Her passion for graphic design was matched only by her desire to help others grow […] Losing Courtney has been hard; her presence was a gift to us all. We’ll miss her deeply but will carry her memory with us always.”
Remembered as joyful and hard-working, Croft brightened up the days of everyone around her.
“Courtney’s passing left a huge hole in our team and in our hearts,” said Michelle Mosier, web marketing and service manager. “We’ll miss her expertise and her positive attitude. We’ll miss her smile and laughter. We’ll especially miss her dog during our weekly marketing meetings, who sprawled out behind her on her couch as she sat on the floor and worked.”
In a letter from the president, Dr. Joseph Foy wrote of the positive impact that Croft has had on Benedictine University on Sunday afternoon.
“Through her efforts, she played a pivotal role in elevating our brand awareness, enhancing student engagement publicity, and bolstering our social media presence. Courtney’s impact on our community will be felt for years to come,” said President Joseph Foy, PhD, through email.
Professors in the Communication Arts program were shocked when they heard the news.
“It was quite a shock. I immediately put something together for the Comm Arts Facebook page so that our alumni would know,” said Peter Seely, professor of communication arts. “Benedictine and Communication Arts particularly lost a real shining light.”
In her memory, the Communication Arts program has named its top award the Courtney Croft award, which will be given to a graduating senior with an outstanding performance in and out of the classroom.
“Courtney was such a positive person who loved the Benedictine Community. Her upbeat nature and creativity assisted in our various marketing pieces and across campus,” said Karen Campana-Schaller, chief of staff.
Courtney Croft’s family started a Go Fund Me to assist during this time.
Benedictine will be holding two masses: one on March 27 and one on April 3 in our chapel at 12:20pm.
The Candor 