“Because those in need are so embracing, you feel like you want to do more. Being immersed in the situations of others has humbled me immeasurably, energizing my work and service."
-Fonda Gnacke on 2007 Katrina Relief
It is with great sadness that MCC reports that FONDA GNACKE, an AmeriCorps*VISTA with Michigan Campus Compact in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 at Madonna University was victim of a tragic accident on Tuesday and passed away on Friday December 7, 2007. Fonda was a bright, cheerful and honest addition to MCC's VISTA team. MCC joins the faculty, staff and students at Madonna in sending our condolences to Fonda's husband John and their two daughters. It's very hard to lose a teammate - especially one whose ongoing presence was such a positive energy at all times.
Fonda served for the past two years as Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA at Madonna University. Here, she shared her love for service and humanity with all those touched by her work. A scholarship fund in Fonda's memory will be established at Madonna. Those interested in contributing to this fund are encouraged to do so. Checks may be made out to Madonna University and sent to Madonna University's Advancement Office. Please indicate that the contribution is to be applied to The Fonda Gnacke Scholarship.
Mail Contributions To:
Advancement Office
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
Opportunity For Reflection
Michigan Campus Compact VISTAs, staff, alumni and friends are asked to share their thoughts and memories of Fonda below. If you wish to share your words in this tribute, please send text to Brandon Seng at bseng@mnaonline.org.
Friends in Service- |
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Ryan Fewins, |
Fonda will continue to be a positive voice and force in my life. Her continous smile, honest approach and kind attitude was contagious! Everyone around her just felt so good about themselves and the work they were doing because she was so empowering. I'm proud to have worked so closely with her on issues she cared so deeply about. I still laugh when I think of the fun we had when I dragged her on stage to do karaoke with me in Massachusetts during our training; she was resistant at first but got so into it that at the end, we were just laughing in front of everyone. |
Emily Sellers-Christopher |
When I think of Fonda a few things instantly come to mind. She had a genuinely kind heart, sincere devotion to helping those in need, and the unique ability to brighten any room with her presence. |
Brandon Seng, |
I worked closely with Fonda on a number of articles and marketing pieces to promote the work of service-learning at Madonna. Fonda will be remembered as an individual who was always cheerful and upbeat, a truly bright light who brought an unmatched warmth and dedication to the movement. |
Amanda Schafer, |
I remember when Fonda came on board with MCC VISTA. She was such a sweet lady, but she meant business! She had big plans for Madonna and for the community...a real force of good will. She's done so much, and leaves a tremendous legacy. |
Evan Albert, AmeriCorps*VISTA |
Fonda was one of the most committed and dedicated members of the national service program known as AmeriCorps VISTA that we have had in Michigan. She was instrumental in expanding and enhancing the service learning program at Madonna University and touched the lives of hundreds of students in the process. Last summer, she even had an opportunity to lead a session for a whole new class of VISTA members from 3 different states and did a tremendous job. Most importantly, though, I have never met a sweeter and kinder person. Fonda, on behalf of the Federal Government and the AmeriCorps VISTA program, thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we pledge that we will carry on your inspirational work in your memory. |
Michelle Snitgen, |
I truly enjoyed working with Fonda. She put so much energy, passion and love into her work and made service seem effortless. She was extremely pleasant to be around, and her generous spirit was contagious. I remember talking to her while she was working at a weeklong camp for youth at Madonna. I knew she was absolutely exhausted, but she was vibrant and joyful as she excitedly talked about the positive impact the week was having on everyone involved. She will be fondly remembered for her devout dedication to community building and improving the quality of life for all. |
Amy Smitter, |
I feel deeply blessed to work with Fonda on a state-wide level to help college students find their passion for service and promote caring for others. Her enthusiasm and excitement for service and care for others will be my lasting memory of Fonda along with her wonderful smile and the "can do" sound in her voice. |
Kevin West, |
What I like to think back to most is our ASB trip to the Gulf Coast last year. Fonda was so charged up for it she could barely contain herself. We worked hard and had some good fun after the work day and reflection was done. I smile when I remember walking a good portion of downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter with Fonda and some Madonna students in search of great jazz. We found it of course. And Fonda was all smiles, all night.Fonda was a resident of Redford Township, where I live, and I knew of her work with the Cultural Coalition of Redford before she ever came on board as a VISTA with my office. She worked every day to bridge cultural and social gaps between people. She deeply believed that many of the problems we have in our society today are a result of social alienation. She tried to counter this by personally and unselfconsciously connecting to the needs and feelings of others in a meaningful way. She was constantly caring for people; relatives, friends, neighbors and children. She will be missed. |
Scott Craven |
I was the VISTA*Leader when we brought Fonda on board. Her enthusiasm and excitement about starting as a VISTA with Madonna was remarkable. I remember that when we were trying to get all her paperwork in on time she overnighted it from out west on vacation which was a little crazy, but also showed how dedicated she was. She was a great team member with a lot of passion for what she was doing and is a great loss for all who knew her at Madonna and MCC.My thoughts are with her family and the MCC family. |
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