"September 5, 1988. The long awaited date finally arrived for Colleen Brunner and Lynne Hartunian, along with 42 other students from Oswego and surrounding colleges and universities. We were on our way to study abroad in London, England. The three glorious months that followed were filled with studying and traveling throughout the United Kingdom and what fun and wonderful experiences we had.
Colleen and Lynne enjoyed themselves to the fullest. They made the most
of the opportunity at hand and took advantage of what England had to offer.
Although Colleen and Lynne did not know one another before the semester
abroad began, they grew very close. It must have been their similar,
but very unique personalities that contributed to their growing friendship.
Lynne and Colleen were well liked by the other students on the program
and by our teachers. One could look to
Lynne and Colleen fora smile, a laugh, a kind
word. Their excitement, laughter, and enthusiasm about being overseas
just bubbled over and it shed on those of us who were fortunate to have
shared such special memories with two wonderful people.
On November 28, the study program was over. Lynne and Colleen went on to travel for three additional weeks. For those of us who cannot relate to this type of travel, it can be grueling. Their characters, however, never seemed to change and their gorgeous smiles never ceased. There were four of us traveling together. Colleen and Lynne remained energetic, helping in the planning of our next route and course of action. They were both incredibly thrilled with the shopping and many presents they bought for their family and friends. They were such caring and loveable people who had so much to give.
Janette Hausler and I were fortunate enough to have traveled with Lynne and Colleen. We will always hold the memories of our journey through Spain, the South of France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, close to our hearts. It is still so difficult to believe that Lynne and Colleen were actually on Pan Am Flight 103. Perhaps they were too good to be true and maybe it is also true that 'the good die young.'
Lynne and Colleen touched and influenced many of us. For those of us who knew and loved them, our lives will never be the same. I miss them terribly. Hopefully we will have learned that life is too precious and that we should live each day being the best we can be. They both loved Oswego and the friendships that they made. Lynne and Colleen's spirits will remain on this campus and will remain in our memories and hearts forever."