IN MEMORIAM

Christine Sato graduated magna cum laude from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in May of 1990.  She went on to earn her Master of Accountancy from ASU, which she received in May of 1996.  She was just weeks away from receiving a second Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix when she passed away tragically on the 8th of March 2003.

Our faculty members who knew her remember her fondly as “Chrissie”, a young woman who was very intelligent, caring, fun to be around and full of life.  Her co-workers remember her as a “kind and gentle spirit…one who brought a sense of humor and adventure with her wherever she went.”

Professionally, Ms. Sato worked in the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting.  Much of her efforts were dedicated to serving the behavioral and public health needs of Arizona residents.  Her insight and persistence helped to make the new Arizona State Hospital a reality, and a tree was planted on the grounds of the hospital in her honor during a ceremony on March 21, 2003.  At the foot of the tree is a stone with the inscription:

Christine had many friends in this world, and she was an avid baseball fan.  Some of her closest friends purchased a memorial brick, which has been placed in front of the Bank One Ballpark, in a prominent spot between gates A and B.

One of Christine’s dearest friends, Mr. Tom Hoffman, has developed a memorial website in her honor.  There is a link to a guestbook where you may offer your condolences to her loved ones.  The address is: www.christinesato.com

Our department is establishing a memorial scholarship in Ms. Sato’s honor (this scholarship may become an endowment).  If you are interested in donating to this scholarship, please make your check payable to the ASU Foundation and mail it, along with the pledge/donation form to the Philosophy Department at the address listed on the form.

[This article was excerpted from the October, 2004 issue of the ASU Philosophy Department’s Friends of Philosophy newsletter.]