Early last week news spread around campus that a West Chester student had been murdered in Philadelphia. That student was Asia Adams, a junior majoring in psychology. Adams entered the university as a Board of Governors scholar in the fall of 2001. During the three years that Adams was a student she was involved on campus as a mentor and working at the Phone-a-Thon. Adams, often described as a warm and happy person touched many people during her time at West Chester. “She was very warm,” said Dena Chasten, 21, a comparative literature major. Jay Sturgis, 26, met Adams while they were both students. He said they initially became friends because he was attracted to her, but he eventually took on a brother- like role to her.”She was too trusting. She would take anyone in [because she] wanted everyone to be happy,” Sturgis said.
Linda Chambers, Adams’ boss at the Phone-a-Thon, agrees. “She didn’t have a malicious bone in her body. She was so upbeat, which makes it more sad.” Though there are many things that he will remember about Adams, Sturgis says it will be her smile because “it lit up her face.” On Thursday night, Jennifer Mundy, a roommate of Adams, dedicated her weekly radio show to her friend. Tears flowed freely in the studio as friends shared stories about Adams’ life and the impact she had on them. During the show, listeners called in to share their thoughts as well. “Asia, she was a motivator,”
Mundy told the audience during the show, before recounting how they used to study together in the early morning hours. “What got us going was each other. She knew how to get her work done.” During the radio show, Adams was repeatedly described as “crazy sexy cool.” The description is taken from the TLC album of the same title.
“If nothing else, the best quote to describe her is ‘walk softly and carry a big stick,'” said Chasten, who says she isn’t going to dwell on the sadness, but rather think about what she gained from Adams.
The entire campus community has been impacted by Adams’ death. Before last weekend’s playoff football game a moment of silence was held for her. University spokeswoman Loretta McAlpine has said there are a number of organizations that have said they would like to do something in Adams ‘ memory.