It is with the utmost sadness that we learned of a great loss in the Harvard Democrats family: Joey Hanzich, former Dems Vice President and Harvard class of 2006, passed away over the weekend. Those who knew him were struck with confusion and despair at the news. He was a wonderful person, brightening the lives of everyone he met with his infectious smile and selfless service.

Joey was a friend to all and a mentor to many in the Dems. He was one of the smartest and most talented people I have ever known, and would have done amazing things with his life, but I think he will be remembered most for his unique ability to connect with people. He was incredibly kind and genuine, and touched so many lives in his short time with us. He will be missed tremendously.

        --Brigit Helgen, Dems president ‘06-’07

Joey was truly the face of the Dems during his time at Harvard. We can all remember him marching over to the bus at 7 AM in the morning to trek to NH to campaign for Kerry, full of energy when we all longed to be back in our warm beds. The "Conversations with the Candidates" series that Joey spearheaded, which brought all the 2004 presidential primary candidates to Harvard's campus, has become a Harvard Democrats tradition, and the Members-At-Large program that Joey managed is thriving because of him. The list of Joey's accomplishments in the Dems goes on, but it will be the kindness and caring he showed to every member that will be missed most.

I first met Joey a few days after my father had a heart attack freshman year. When he heard, Joey introduced himself to me after a meeting to ask how I was doing, and later emailed to ask about my father's recovery. At the time, I wondered why someone I barely knew had taken such an interest, but I would come to learn through the years that that was just who Joey was: someone who cared for everyone, regardless of whether he'd befriended them yet. This concern for others made him a great leader of this organization and a friend to all who joined it, and would have driven him to achieve many more great things in his life.

I often said that one day we would all be working for Joey. While we have been cruelly denied that opportunity, I can say with equal certainty that on all days we will work to honor the causes he cherished and the life that he began.

        --Greg Schmidt, Dems president ‘04-05

Over the coming days and weeks, we will be organizing a memorial service in his honor. For more information, please contact Brigit Helgen at bhelgen@fas.harvard.edu.

Our deepest regards go out to Joey's family and friends, and we know that he will live on in both the work of the Harvard Dems and in the hearts of those he was close to.

The Harvard College Democrats