http://www.southernvirginia.edu/News/full_release/2005_apr28.html
Janet Christiansen Abaroa, SVU Class '00
Buena Vista, VA, Apr 26, 2005
President Smith regrets to inform the SVU family of the death of Janet Christiansen Abaroa, SVU Class of '00. Janet Christiansen Abaroa, 25, died on April 26, 2005. Her body was found in her home in Durham, NC.
Janet Christiansen Abaroa attended Southern Virginia University as a freshman in August 1998. As a freshmen Mid-Fielder, from Annandale, VA, Janet was a pioneer who helped make history at SVU as a member of the inaugural women's soccer team. She helped lead her team to back-to-back National Small College Athletic Association (NSCAA) Championship victories in 1998 and 1999. Her sister and teammate Erika Christiansen was also a member of the 1999 championship team and SVU Class of '03. Janet graduated with her Associates Degree in Social Sciences in Dec. 2000.
Janet was a Scholar Athlete. After taking a year off to be with her husband, Raven Abaroa, she returned to SVU in August 2001 to complete her last two years. As an upperclassmen, Janet received post-season honors as a United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Academic All-American (cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher) in 2001 & 2002. She was a member of the President's Honor Roll (4.0 GPA), USCAA Player of the Week (Oct. 1-7, 2001) and a member of the USCAA All-Tournament Team in 2002. Janet experienced great athletic accomplishment, academic success and spiritual development during her 4 years at SVU.
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A scholarship will be established in Janet's memory to benefit a student-athlete on the women's soccer team. Gifts made to the SVU Development Office in Janet's memory will be used to establish the Janet Christiansen Abaroa Pioneer Scholarship. To contribute to this scholarship, checks should be made out to Southern Virginia University, with a notation that the gift is in memory of Janet Christiansen Abaroa. On-line donations can also be made through the Development Office Website. When donating on-line, check the box listed as "Other" and write Janet Christiansen Abaroa Pioneer Scholarship in the text box. Checks should be sent to:
SVU Development Office
One University Hill Drive
Buena Vista, VA 24416