Student Life staff and our close partnering divisions,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share with all of you that Dr. Tanya Winegard, Vice Provost for Student Life, passed away last night. Following her valiant battle with cancer, she is now relieved of all pain and suffering. Please see below the update from Caring Bridge, as well as a message from Father Hendrickson. A more detailed message uplifting the many ways in which Tanya touched the hearts, minds, and spirits of the Creighton community will follow to the campus shortly, as well as information shared about services as that is available.
As we uplift Tanya’s family in prayer, we also uplift each other. I extend my sincere sympathies to everyone who has been touched by the graces of Tanya’s spirit. Please know that you have support to grieve and process this loss in any way that is appropriate to you. Continue to share with your colleagues, supervisor/s, and me, how we can best support you individually and the Division of Student Life collectively. While no written resource can reduce the pain of loss, attached are some tips about the grieving process, uplifting the reality that grief is real and heavy and sometimes messy – and it is a process that we must work through, and can be easier with the support, understanding, and love of each other. The Employee Assistance Program is also available for individual or collective support.
Thank you for your genuine support for one another, for uplifting Tanya’s legacy, and for your continued prayers for Tanya’s family and loved ones.
Leanna Fenneberg
Caring Bridge - A message from the Winegard family
Journal Entry by Michele Bogard
Last night at 11:23pm, Tanya passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Our friend, mentor, colleague, loved one, mom, sister, daughter, cousin and aunt is at peace. May God’s perpetual light shine upon her.
Thank you all for your love and support of Tanya and her family these past 15 months. She often shared how she felt you all lifting her up each and every day. Thank you for bringing her joy.
Services are pending and we will update you on the details when they are known. As Tanya requested, let’s continue to lift up her family in prayers.
With love and gratitude,
Michele Starzyk Bogard
(family friend)
A message from Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J., President
Dear Division of Student Life,
With Tanya’s passing, you have the fullest of my thoughts and condolences. I am particularly mindful of her husband, Mike, and her sons, Noah and Gabe, and I am aware that Tanya was more than a colleague, mentor, and leader, and for so many of you, such a close friend, and my prayers and friendship are with you, too.
Sincerely,
Daniel Hendrickson
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J.
President | Creighton University
