Lorin Maurer, whose engaging personality and strong work ethic left a lasting mark on those in the Princeton University athletic community who knew her, was killed when Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo Thursday night. Maurer, the Athletics Friends Manager for the Princeton University Department of Athletics and Office of Development, was almost two months past her 30th birthday.

“We are stunned, grief-stricken and angry that someone so young and full of promise and vitality was taken from us so suddenly and unexpectedly,” says Princeton Director of Athletics Gary Walters. “We can only think that we never appreciate what we have until it is taken from us.”

Maurer joined the staff at Princeton in 2005 to work in a newly created position that was a joint venture between Athletics and Development, and she helped athletic giving grow to unprecedented levels. She was well-liked by coaches and administrators in both departments.

“What made Lorin so special to all who were lucky enough to meet her even once was her infectious enthusiasm and the joy she found in literally every facet of her life,” says West Coast Conference commissioner Jamie Zaninovich, who helped bring Maurer to Princeton in his previous role as a department Senior Associate Athletic Director. “We all have a collective hole in our hearts today that will never be filled.”

She had a strong interest in intercollegiate athletics, and her background included an internship in branding and communications at the NCAA and a year in the marketing department at the Mountain West Conference.

Maurer was a 2001 graduate of Rowan University, where she was a team captain, four-time team Most Valuable Swimmer and three-time Academic All-America in women’s swimming. She was the 2000 New Jersey Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year, and she still holds the school record in the 200 IM with a time of 2:12.59.

She also worked for the Rowan Department of Athletics in a number of capacities, including student-athlete eligibility, ticketing and event operations. She was a Dean’s List student and winner of the Athletic Director’s Award for academic excellence.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Florida, where she also served as an intern in women’s administration.

"We are heartbroken that someone so young and full of life could be taken from us so suddenly," said University Vice President for Development Brian McDonald. "Lorin was a wonderful member of the University community and a very cherished colleague. We extend our deepest sympathy to Lorin's family and friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her." 

A moment of silence in her memory will be held at  Princeton home events this weekend and at the Princeton-at-Yale men's basketball game Friday night.