This Facebook profile picture shows Duquesne graduate student Cheyenne Warner. Warner passed away between Saturday and Sunday, confirmed Duquesne Vice President of Student Life Douglas Frizzell in a campus-wide email.
To honor deceased Duquesne graduate student Cheyenne Warner, who passed away on March 13, The Duke created this online scrapbook where people can share their pictures and memories of Cheyenne. If you would like to contribute, please email your photo or note to News Editor Kaye Burnet at kayeburnet@gmail.com. Submissions have been edited for length.
Elyse Stevens
Cheyenne was all for equality, truly. She advocated for peace and those fighting battles. She herself knocked out a lot of enemies, and was able to come out clean on the other side every single time. If you ever need an Angel to talk to about or get through a situation that seems hopeless, Cheyenne is the one to call on. Sometimes in life things just exist to take away our peace, but Cheyenne had this strength and gift to slaughter these troubles completely. As a friend, it brings me peace to know that she was a fighter, she fought fights that most cannot fight. She left us victoriously, completely. Isn’t the point to live victoriously?
Things she loved: her dog, coffee, her students and future students, physics, books, her Dad, standing up.
As a friend: she was the most understanding. She did not judge. She completely appreciated you for who you are, without question. When she loved, it was unconditional and protective.
She was successful and wanted everyone around her to be so, in anyway that they needed.
Caitlin Templin
My freshman year at Duquesne, Cheyenne Warner and I were roommates, and I couldn’t have been luckier. She was the lynch pin that made my experience here at Duquesne so great. From midnight adventures together, to introducing me to new friends, Cheyenne helped me see the beauty in Pittsburgh, and the people that surrounded us. Her tenacity for success, and hope for the future of education were the characteristics in which I admired most about her. As an aspiring physics teacher, Cheyenne was patient to a fault with the students she both tutored and taught, often taking extra time from her already packed schedule to help out those who asked.
Although she often seemed quiet and reserved, she had so much to say, and to those close to her, she could be heard best when excitedly talking of literature, music, education, faith, or equality for all. She, better than anyone, knew the impact a person could have if they worked hard, questioned everything, chose their words carefully, and lent a listening ear to others in their time of need.
Throughout our years here at Duquesne, I often found myself saying she was being too hard on herself, and she needed to reward herself more for her accomplishments. She never lowered her expectations, or became lax on her quest to make the world a better place, though she did blossom into a beautiful retail therapist for herself, I am happy to say. After a long week, she would indulge in a few good books, or her favorite coffee or tea. In sharing her passions, Cheyenne inspired me, as well as others to read more, stay informed on the world around us, and never set mediocre standards for ourselves, the education system, or the hope we have for the future.
I wish Cheyenne had had a longer stay on earth with us, not only for my own selfish reasons, but so the world could see her for who she truly was, and so that she could experience the benefits that would have been awarded to her from all her hard work. I have to admit though, I also wish she was here to help me write this, and glance over my shoulder to yell at me if what I was writing started to sound like one big mushy cliché. For her friends, family, and anyone that knew her, I hope we can all come together and emulate the positive changes in the world that Cheyenne strived for, because although she is not physically present, she has forever changed our psyche and our approach on life for the better. I hate to have to say this, but rest in peace, Cheyenne, and enjoy messing with people in the afterlife if there is one. Missing you bunches, friend. Forever in our hearts you will be.
Kareen Ayuk
I can’t believe that your gone! I don’t remember exactly when or how we met, but I know it was early on during our freshman year. You were in my chemistry class and you ended up being my out of the classroom teacher because you were always so kind and willing to help anyone who needed it. Your artistic rhetoric and enthusiasm to explain things is what I remember the most about you. I think most vividly back to freshman year now. We both lived in St. Martins and you were just a floor below me. You managed the chaos of that building with so much poise as we studied chemistry together. Thank you for being such a wonderful person to be around. I appreciate the memories of long dinners at towers, and hanging out together with some of our other friends. Rest in peace Cheyanne, though you are gone, you are certainly not forgotten.
With love,
Kareen
Claire Saunders
Cheyenne loved literature. One of her favorite books was To Kill a Mockingbird. Cheyenne dying was like killing a mockingbird. She brought joy to everyone and was constantly working in the service of others. She saw that you had to fight for happiness and was always fighting the good fight.
