“All of us at the University are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this promising young woman,” said Adam Cantley, dean of students and assistant vice president for student support and advocacy. “She touched the lives of so many during her first year here at Delaware, and her positive attitude and her generous heart will truly be missed.” 

At UD, Ms. Navaretta was an Honors student studying management in the Lerner College. She was a member of the Louis Redding Hall community and new sister of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority.

Several members of the campus community shared reflections about her: 

Cathryn Schenk, Ms. Navaretta’s adviser and instructor in business administration: “Sabrina had a bright and cheerful outlook on life and was looking forward to her time at UD.  She was extremely proud of being a licensed realtor and had plans to join her mother’s real estate company after graduation. From the first time we met, she had very definite ideas about her future plans, including the fact that she wanted to pursue the professional selling minor.  She took obstacles in stride and was quick to laugh.  There was a four-credit science requirement that we laughed about on several occasions as she expressed her chagrin at having to take it. Her quick smile, sunny personality and quiet intelligence will be very missed.”

Michael Chajes, dean of the Honors College: “I had the pleasure of meeting Sabrina early in the fall semester at an event to welcome first-year Honors College students. I recall speaking with Sabrina about her career aspirations. She clearly knew where she was headed, and she brought infectious energy and enthusiasm to the vision she shared with me. The entire Honors College family is heartbroken by this tragedy, and we extend our very deepest condolences to the Navaretta family."

Thomas Bridges, assistant professor of economics: "It was a pleasure teaching a student with the commitment and dedication that Sabrina brought to class. She had a special knack for looking beyond the austere data of macroeconomics and enjoyed discussing individuals' broader well-being in society."

Diane Wright, senior instructor in accounting and management information systems: “Sabrina was an outstanding student and wonderful to have in class. She was engaged and committed to excelling. She had excellent technical skills and quickly learned how to apply them to various problems, which was a testament to her dedication. Sabrina was a valued, esteemed member of her group, always willing to help other students, and her loss is felt deeply.  The UD community will miss her greatly.”

Peter Atwater, adjunct professor of business administration: “Sabrina was a student in my fall Honors colloquium. No matter the topic, she was a curious learner and an eager participant in class discussions. Looking out into the class, she was always smiling. Whether she realized it or not, she brightened my day.”

Louis Moffa, instructor in accounting and management information systems and partner and general counsel for Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP, who taught an Honors section of “The Basic of Business”: “Sabrina was always smiling, upbeat and a joy to have in class.  She will be missed.”

A memorial event for Ms. Navaretta is being planned on campus later this spring.

Ms. Navaretta was a 2022 graduate of Syosset High School in Syosset, New York, where she received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and was in the Italian Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Co-captain of the JV volleyball team, she was active in Syosset Rowing, the Syosset Dog Rescue Group and Italian Club. She also volunteered as an autism advocate and team leader with the nonprofit Luv Michael. 

In a Facebook post, her mother, Mara Navaretta, wrote, “Anyone that was touched by Sabrina knows of her infectious smile, her love for her family and friends and her love for life! She loved being out on the water on our boat or her jet ski. I always said that she was the most normal person I know as she knew who she was and enjoyed everything that was afforded to her. She was a hard worker -- an A+ Student at Syosset High School and was maintaining her A average at University of Delaware…. She just became a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma as I am a Legacy. So as her Mom and as her Sister, I couldn’t be prouder of the life she led. She was a good person through and through.”

Donations in her memory may be made to the Sabrina Navaretta Scholarship Fund, 30 Berry Hill Rd., Syosset, NY 11791. 

Condolences may be left online at Beney Funeral Home.

Resources

For any student in need of support or assistance, the Division of Student Life provides a variety of resources.

Students can connect with the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. In addition, 24-hour support is available through TimelyCare and the UD Help Line at 302-831-1001.

Staff members in the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist any student who wishes to talk. Call 302-831-8939 to schedule an appointment. 

Mental health support for UD benefitted employees is provided from ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. The link gives steps on how to access services or call 1-877-527-4742 for support.