Jayson “Jay” Harrison, a 20-year-old junior in the Doisy College of Health Sciences, died on Friday, Jan. 18. His death follows a nearly 10-month-long struggle with leukemia.

“He was the epitome of a college student-all the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations,” said Parking and Card Services Manager Ann Benson, Harrison’s boss since spring 2006.

A clinical laboratory science major, Harrison planned on studying medicine after earning his undergraduate degree. His friends describe him as a talented and dedicated student.

“Jay was the smartest person I’ve known at SLU,” said Aaron Amador, president of Harrison’s fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho, and a junior in the John Cook School of Business.

Harrison had served as service chair and rush chair for his fraternity and had volunteered for Campus Kitchen and Make a Difference Day.

“I think he inspired all of us. He set the bar really high in all that he did,” said Andrew Baworowsky, one of Harrison’s fraternity brothers and a junior in the John Cook School of Business.

Harrison’s friends say that he liked having a good time and enjoyed practical jokes. Kevin Daly, Harrison’s roommate and co-worker at Parking and Card Services, called Harrison genuine. “You couldn’t not like him . He had a grin that could bring a smile to anyone’s face.”

Harrison was diagnosed with biphenotypic acute leukemia in late April of 2007. His friends said he approached his illness with courage and humor.

“Even with the cancer news, he was like, ‘No big deal, I’ll be back next semester,'” Baworowsky said.

Campus Ministry is currently working with Harrison’s family to plan a memorial service for him at SLU. Campus Ministry Director Lisa Reiter said that she expects the service to take place in the next few weeks.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 23 for Harrison in Western Springs, Ill. More than 20 students and faculty and staff members from SLU attended. On the day of Harrison’s death, an impromptu memorial service was also held in the Parking and Card Services office.