In Memory of Sara Beverage

Sara Beverage unexpectedly passed away on August 2, 2021 after battling with a short, but severe, illness. She had recently started a new job and was still within her probationary period, meaning her benefits had not begun yet. This fundraiser will raise money for expenses for the unforeseen and heartbreaking loss of Sara. Donations will be used to offset medical bills, funeral home expenses, and financial support for the surviving spouse, William, as he navigates cost of living on one income.

The following words are from William, who was Sara’s husband, confidante, and soulmate:

“Sara Beverage was a kind, compassionate soul who selflessly touched many people’s lives. It was common for her to send money to people she’d never physically met who were struggling to keep their electric on or pay rent for the month. She never asked or expected anything in return. She just wanted to make the world a better place. There is an expression about people who would “give you the shirt off their backs”, however she was the only person I have ever met who would literally do so.

When she was younger, she was a single parent to three boys, all around the same age. Despite the daunting task of being a single mom, she attended college full time and drove trucks at night, at the time being one of only eight female truckers in the state of Minnesota… all in the hopes of providing her family with a better life.

She was, quite honestly, the most amazing person I have ever met. She was strong, courageous, determined, and an inspiration to all who knew her.”

Sara had a passion for academia. In her 2019 dissertation on “Clery Act Policy and Implementation Strategies”, she wrote a beautiful acknowledgment to William: “When I could no longer run, I walked; when I could no longer walk, I crawled; when I could no longer crawl, you picked me up and carried me. William Todd Rose, you are the love of my life and the only reason I was able to reach this finish line. You were there each step with me and so often you lifted me up and made sure I achieved every deadline and milestone of this odyssey. There were points when we were both weary, but you kept us going. WTR, your love and support doused every dissertation fire. Thank you for the best years of my life! We were weary, but now we rest.”