By Alysse Schultheis
Editor-in-Chief
Picture courtesy of http://www.ceu.hu
In honor of the time Tamas Kubik (C’13) spent at Sewanee and the joy he gave to many while he was here, a memorial service was held for Kubik in All Saints’ Chapel on February 5. The service was shaped by Kubik’s professors and mentors in order to bring to life his memory and personality.
Combining Kubik’s love for music and literature, the service focused on the deep impression Kubik made on everyone during his time at Sewanee. Dr. Virginia Craighill first read a paragraph from an essay Kubik wrote for his English 101 class. The reading highlighted the intimate understanding of literature he had, and his power to touch others with his careful construction of arguments. Kubik wrote online how important it was to him that “Dr. Craighill graciously agreed to spend ten weeks of her summer reading Indian novels with me and discussing the points in the texts where the language allowed the reader to sympathize with the characters.” The love Kubrik had for reading and discussing literature was an important part of who he was, and Craighill helped honor this part of Kubik that everyone who knew him will miss dearly. Katherine Lehman and Rebecca Van de Ven, both holding positions in the music department, played a beautiful duet on the violin and oboe. These displays of literature and music honored Kubik’s passion for the arts, and his interest in weaving English and music together in order to produce something beautiful. Kubik wrote online how he had never taken a single music class before coming to Sewanee, but despite his lack of experience, he was “more excited” about the opportunity than anything. Lehman and Van de Ven brought Kubik’s dedication to music alive in All Saints’, honoring Kubik’s unbendable spirit and willingness to learn new things.
Dr. Karen Yu then shared her fond memories of Kubik and the energy and life he had within him when talking about and sharing his interests. Yu read from The God of Small Things, Kubik’s favorite book that he loved to share with everyone. Yu reflected how the title of the book reflected Kubik himself, and his ability to find wonder and novelty in the smallest things. The service ended with everyone singing a folk song Kubik brought to one of his violin lessons with Lehman. Singing loudly and proudly, everyone present lifted up their voices in memory of the beautiful soul and caring personality Kubik possessed. The Purple extends our deepest condolences to Tamas’ family, friends, and to every life he touched.