National Jurist - January 2009 - (Page 28)

For Jana Though Jana Mackey’s life was cut short by violence that she herself tried to change, her legacy continues to live on through her parents, friends and strangers that you had the courage to stand up for your own beliefs. The very last thing on that list was financial security. “Jana was a doer, especially when it came to anything about the communiPHOTO BY DARA LOWRY hree-point-five miles northwest of Council Grove, Kansas, there is a lake. For Curt and Christie Brungardt, it’s a place of solace, reflection, old and new memories with friends and family. For their daughter Jana Mackey, it was “Jana’s Kingdom.” On an old homemade video, a bright and energetic Jana proclaims Council Grove City Lake, where her By Dave Thomas parents Curt and Christie purchased a lake house five years ago, as one of her favorite places in the world. Today, many weekends spent with friends and family, barbecuing and manning the ski boat are now precious memories of Jana for her parents. On July 3 of last year, Jana, then a second-year law student at the University of Kansas School of Law, became a victim of domestic violence. And despite her passing, Jana is leaving behind quite a legacy. Her mother and stepfather, Christie and Curt Brungardt, talked passionately about their daughter and where her life had been and where it was headed before her untimely death. A life of passion To the people who knew and loved her, many will tell you that Jana Mackey packed more into her 25 years of life than a lot of people do in a lifetime. Her parents, friends and those who knew her in school say she was always looking out for other people and wanting to make their lives a little better. Most notably, serving as an advocate for women’s rights by volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. “Jana was driven by equality for women,” Curt said. “She saw what she was doing to be a better way to be an advocate for women. You could say she had a ‘call to action.’ That is what drove her.” Christie said that her daughter had prioritized a list of her own values, a list that included some 17 ideas. No. 1 on that list was equality for all, with the second being ty,” Christie said. “I am convinced that she would have stayed in Lawrence had she lived.” Curt echoed those sentiments. “Jana saw Kansas as the front line for “Jana took her work very seriously, but she also was a very happy kid. She saw the world as her playground.” —Christie and Curt Brungardt 28 THE NATIONAL JURIST January 2009

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - January 2009

National Jurist - January 2009 Contents Hot Button: Affirmative Action Entertainment: A Road Trip Through Law School News: American Justice, Kaplan Survey, Part-time Ranking The Firm Report: Diversity Law School Online No label No label Fordham Student Honored for Public Interest Work Former Law Student's Life Lives on After Her Death Most Influential People in Legal Education Most Innovative Law Schools Your Guide to Studying Abroad Career Hotline Texas Tech Law Grads Explore Dispute Resolution Evaluating First-Year Exams Disturbing the Peace

National Jurist - January 2009

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