A fellow Banana Slug remembered
Andrei and I were college classmates and both attended Crown College at UC Santa Cruz 1990-1994. Although I didn’t know Andrei well, I have so many poignant memories of him- because as you all know- he was larger than life.
His voice- so many of you have touched upon the power of his voice. I remember that voice, but also that sweet childlike almost falsetto laugh. It’s amazing how some memories just gel.
His Charm - He could sell ice to an eskimo- - and boy could he talk- but more importantly he connected with people on a very personal level and you trusted him.
His Gregarious nature- He had a Halloween party in his dorm room my freshman year and invited everyone. I was still pretty shy and didn’t know many people yet and I can remember feeling very nervous about attending my first college party. I remember having a lot of fun!
When I close my eyes and think of Andrei I see him in red shorts and birkentock sandals, with socks.. no ties back then!
Andrei will be greatly missed. He made such an impression on me 18 years ago becasue he was that type of person- unforgettable.
Terese Hollander Esperas