Stirling, John and Alden Winder at Leadership and Legacy Reception, May 2012

UVM Mourns the Loss of Former Trustee, Student Athlete and Alumna Stirling Winder ’08

Former University of Vermont trustee, student-athlete and alumna Stirling Winder '08 passed away on July 28 at the age of 26 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was first diagnosed with Osteocarcoma in November of her freshman year at UVM. Following chemotherapy and a total knee replacement in March of 2005, she underwent rehabilitation of her knee and continued to be involved with the UVM field hockey program. She returned to the field for her senior year and finished her career having played in 25 games, helping the Catamounts reach the America East Tournament.

Her struggle against cancer was recognized at the 2008 Rally Awards, UVM's annual year-end celebration of its student-athletes. She was awarded the Russell O. Sunderland Memorial Trophy, which is presented to senior student-athletes for persistence in overcoming obstacles to achieve a high level of athletic accomplishment.

“In Stirling Winder, we have lost an exceptional member of the UVM family, who gave so much of herself to her University, her friends, and her family,” said Robert F. Cioffi ’90, Chairman of the UVM Board of Trustees. “As a student, a varsity athlete, a trustee, a volunteer, and a friend and colleague, she approached life with a strong sense of optimism and positive energy that lifted the spirits of everyone around her.”

 “The courage and strength she showed all of us in facing so many serious health challenges were truly inspirational,” Cioffi continued. “We will always remember her sense of humor, her concern for others, and her beautiful smile that was perpetually on display. Stirling will always be held in our hearts as a cherished part of our University community and a wonderful ambassador for UVM. We are privileged to have known her, unfortunately for much too brief a time.”

In addition to her service as a student trustee from 2006 to 2008, Winder accepted an appointment to the University of Vermont Alumni Association of Directors in May of 2012. Her father John Winder, is a UVM alumnus, class of 1975, and her brother Alden graduated from UVM this past spring.

Following graduation from UVM, she went on to work at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the NICU and was attending Northeastern University to complete her pediatric nurse practitioner degree.

A service to celebrate her life will be held August 8 at St. John's Episcopal Church (705 Hale St., Beverly Farms, MA) at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Winder's honor to the Stirling A. Winder Fund at Essex County Community Foundation (175 Andover, St. Danvers, MA) or www.ECCF.org.