Jaime Evans, a transfer student to UCLA who studied sociology
and women’s studies, passed away in her family’s home
in New Jersey on Oct. 27, 2004, of unknown causes. She was 28.
Evans had nearly completed her degree at UCLA, and was at work
on her senior thesis after studying abroad in Amsterdam, the
Netherlands.
The university has approved a posthumous degree.
Evans was active on campus and organized programs related to
body image both on campus and at her home.
Before attending UCLA, Evans had worked as a computer
programmer, and later as a Budweiser model.
Friends say she enjoyed yoga, outdoor sports, backpacking and
kayaking.
Professor Linda Vanleuven, a professor of sociology at UCLA who
had taught Evans, said she was one of the most gifted students she
had ever come across, and was devastated to hear of her death.
“She could understand material that I couldn’t
discuss intellectually with many of my colleagues, so it was really
a great exchange of ideas,” she said.
Vanleuven said Evans was interested in the dynamic between the
mind and the body, and was researching issues on body image.
“She was very much interested in art and just kind of gave
me hope for the future of bright minds and deep hearts ““ you
know, that the combination of the two could exist.”
Vanleuven said Evans took the time to cultivate an intellectual
relationship with her, which many students don’t do.
“I think that there are a lot of students who are so
bright and gifted that they kind of get left behind,” she
said.
“At least I was fortunate enough that she came knocking on
my door.”
Rebekah Skoor, who graduated from UCLA in 2003, met Evans in a
mentorship program, and said the two were close friends.
“She was really energetic. She was the kind of person who
seizes every opportunity,” she said.
“She became a really big activist for people with eating
disorders, and the way people talk about their body.”
A memorial service will be held off campus on Saturday, Jan.
15.