Steven Vanover
Who Was Steven
After receiving his Masters of Engineering from University of Louisville’s Speed School in May 2013, with a job waiting for him upon graduation, Steven's future looked bright. He dreamed, the same as many, of buying a home, getting married, and having children. Steven's life took an unexpected turn in December 2013. He was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma known as desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT). He immediately began an intense regimen of chemotherapy, and over the next 15 months, Steven would receive chemotherapy every 3 weeks. During this, he managed to maintain his sense of humor and positivity. Steven was determined to keep living and fought incredibly hard to beat the cancer and never gave up
After his battle with cancer, Steven passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 24. Regardless of what dreams were left unfulfilled, for the time Steven Vanover was with us, he left a legacy of love, faith, and uplifting others. His courage was a true inspiration to all of us. He taught us to appreciate what is truly important in life. Although we miss him every single day, we are better people for having known him. Steven was a musician as well as an engineer. He was leader of his local chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and at the University of Louisville. His legacy lies not within his battle with cancer, but within a lifetime of memories, achievements, and friendships. Even in his final months, Steven left his mark by uplifting everyone around him and filling others with hope through friendship and music. In 2017, Pi Kappa Alpha at the University of Louisville held its inaugural Spin for Steven. Every year since, we have honored Steven’s legacy through this event.