The University of Idaho Commons Plaza became a mural of sorts Tuesday night in a show of support for those affected by the recent Vandal loss.
The chalk display was created in remembrance of Katherine Groggett — a UI junior and president of Delta Delta Delta Sorority — who died in a car crash Sept. 14.
One message read, “We Love you Katherine. Keep Shining.” Another noted, “Let us steadfastly love one another” — her sorority’s motto.
Several students wore purple, Groggett’s favorite color, the day prior as a way to honor her.
Idaho State troopers said the 20-year old from Mountain Home, Idaho, was turning left on U.S. Highway 95 around 1 p.m. when her vehicle collided with a northbound truck on the driver’s side. Groggett was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was traveling with two UI students who were hospitalized after the crash. Both have since been released.
In a phone interview, passenger DeVonte Smith said he has been in Boise since the crash.
Brianna Morrison, another Delta Delta Delta member injured in the crash, is also in Boise, recovering. Morrison said in a phone interview that she suffered a broken femur during the crash and a respiratory infection while undergoing surgery. She is now in physical therapy and receiving oxygen-assistance. Morrison hopes to return to classes within three weeks.
GoFundMe pages were created for both Groggett and Morrison. As of Wednesday, Groggett’s fund has accrued more than $17,000, with more than 400 contributors.
Campus notification
Shawn Dowiak, assistant dean of UI Fraternity and Sorority Life, said he called an emergency meeting with the three Greek councils Friday night, notifying the organizations of Groggett’s death.
Following Dowiak’s meeting, “most, if not all,” fraternity and sorority chapters called their own meetings in order to share the information, said Kendal Stopher, Panhellenic Sorority Council president.
A campus-wide notice about Groggett’s death was sent Monday morning by UI Dean of Students Blaine Eckels.
When asked why the campus notice was not sent out over the weekend, Eckles said his office was first focused on providing support to individuals who may be directly affected by Groggett’s passing, such as sorority sisters and faculty members.
“We want to be sensitive to what their emotional needs and supports are, in addition to the students in the classroom,” Eckels said. “It’s a natural delay in time frame but it’s done very intentionally to be as sensitive as possible to those that may be impacted.”
A memorial for Groggett will be held Friday in her hometown of Mountain Home.
Kyle Pfannenstiel can be reached at [email protected].