Born: March 21, 1967

Died: July 24, 1989

Pledge name:

Wild Goose

Big Sister:

Carol (Shay) Hornung (88)

Activated

Fall 1986

Class Year:

1989

Major:

Political Science

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Details about Scott

Survived by:

Laura (fiancée)

His parents

The Tau Perspective
by Barb (Thompson) Pamperin (89)

"Scott came from Hyde Park in Chicago. He grew up spending many weekends prowling around the Museum of Science and Industry. He also spent time with his dad in Minnesota. When he was home he drove delivery for the Medici on 57th.
    Scott appreciated a fine car or motorcycle (BMW being the best of both in his eyes), and wanted to take flying lessons. He enjoyed going to the airport and watching the planes. He enjoyed going car shopping, always looking for the perfect car. He relaxed to the sound of bagpipe music.
    During freshman year he lived on the third floor of Scott Hall. He moved across the hall after Christmas and roomed with our own Pete Lenz. He would've given his right arm, or even his girlfriend, for Pete. :) If we would've had pledge names, he would have preferred "Wild Goose."
    As it was with many children of the eighties, Scott's favorite movie was Top Gun. He was a bit of a romantic. He was an extremely loyal friend, but wasn't easy to get to know. He was rather secretive about the details of his life. It seemed he wanted people to like him for who he was, and when you got there you were so used to NOT knowing that the details really didn't matter anymore.
    Scott was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer that only appears to affect children and young adults, in December of 1987. He came back to Ripon as often as he could, but couldn't remain in school while undergoing treatments. He did take a class in Chicago and "aced" it though!
    He got engaged to Laura in February (or sometime around then) of 1989. When I met her at the memorial service she told me, "He had a knack for finding quality people." Actually, I think it was a knack for bringing out the good qualities in everyone he knew."

A memorial paddle made in honor of Scott, housed at Tau.

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Statements in Memory of Scott

Barb (Thompson) Pamperin (89) writes

"I waited for him near his car at the end of freshman year because I knew he wouldn't stop in to say goodbye. That meant a lot to him. We said our goodbyes and he drove off. . . only to have his Javelin blow up on him on the way back to Chicago. But did he call us?? No!
    He and Devon decided that it was so nice in February (unseasonably mild) that they should ride their motorcycles to Chicago. They came back at night and I waited up until 3:00 am for him, thinking the worst. He said he came in at 4:00, frozen solid and shaking. He had hit a patch of ice on a bridge and laid it down, but was okay, just COLD!
    When Scott turned 21, he received an inheritance. First thing he did was buy a 1984 Corvette. He came to Ripon for a visit and we went to a movie in Fond du Lac. He let me drive it. He was all excited about how much power it had and kept telling me to pass the cars around us. I was way too nervous to be doing that - I was sure I would do something to hurt his precious car! He also had to write a will because of the inheritance. When he came back from that meeting he told me "I should've left you my watch or something." I know he was trying to tell me how much I meant to him, but all I could think was how much I didn't want the opportunity to inherit that watch."

Carol (Shay) Hornung (88) writes

"I have a Scott story that persists to this very day, one that has possibly affected more people than they realize.
    When Jimbo and Toni got married in 1986, we were all very excited and planned on attending the wedding, in nearby Berlin, I believe. Scott was looking forward to the ceremony, especially the part where the minister reads the line "if anyone has a reason why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace. " Scott's vision was that our entire row would stand up, raising our hands as if to object, then shake our heads, say "never mind" and sit back down. Pete, Sam, and I were sitting with Scott when the line came up - we all looked at each other, but decided against actually going through with it.
    However - at least one later Tau wedding had that line edited from the ceremony as a result of that potential prank. Every time I hear that line, I'll exchange looks with fellow Taus, if in attendance, and fight not to laugh (yes, Barb and Heather, we came close to the giggles during your weddings). The story of Scott's little plan has been told to countless people over the years and I'll always remember him for it. Maybe, one day, if the setting is right, we'll actually pull off the prank . . ."

Pete Lenz (89) remembers Scott

"He and I were roommates second semester freshman year. He stole his roommate's socks for his girlfriend that year... she gave them back to me when she and I started dating the following year.
    Scott was one of the best people I have ever known. A sense of humor, a spirit for life, a faith in his friends and a strength of character that one rarely finds. I find that even thirty-plus years later, his death brings tears to my eyes and an empty place in my life."

Heather (Jones) Wells (90) remembers Scott

"I will never forget pledging Tau. Scott and I, as the only sophomores being rushed, decided to pledge together. We were both already LIVING in Tau space. So, we went up to the second floor phone, and he lifted me in his arms, and I dialed, and we pledged together. I believe that the two of us were the FIRST pledges of our pledge class. It was wacky, and fun. I wouldn't want to have pledged any other way."

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