Out of tragedy, something positive is born.

Four-year-old Lauren Becker loved to dance. Her dance instructor, Danielle Lykens, immediately saw it – talent, energy, enthusiasm, and a pure love of movement and of life.

At the age of five, Lauren and her parents were killed in a boating accident.

But for Danielle, and husband Russ, she will live forever in their hearts and their dance studio.

The Lykens established the Lauren M. Becker Memorial Award in Creative Arts to memorialize the little girl who touched their hearts so powerfully. The Award is for scholarship support for a student participating in performing or integrative arts activities.

To learn how you can make a contribution toward the Becker Memorial Award, or to create an award or scholarship to commemorate a loved one, please contact N. Susan Woodring, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at 814-949-5104 or 800-874-8055 or swd1@psu.edu.