Editor’s Note: Updated with funeral information
Family and friends of Julia Niswender are reeling from her untimely death.
Julia Catherine Niswender, 23, a junior at Eastern Michigan University majoring in electronic media and film, was found dead in the bedroom of her off-campus apartment Tuesday night.
Julia was described as a friendly, outgoing person, and her gregarious nature meant she was quick to make new friends among fellow students and professors.
“She was my friend, but I did not know her for very long,” said EMU alumna Samantha Stamper. “I had class with Julia and saw her frequently around campus. In the time that I did get to know Julia, I know she was an amazing person who always seemed genuinely positive and happy. Her smile was contagious, and she could bring laughter to any conversation.”
Megan Gore, a full-time lecturer in the Electronic Media and Film Department, has fond memories of Julia.
“She always had a smile on her face and loved to laugh in class,” Gore said.
Jeremy Lund, a junior at EMU, was a longtime friend of Julia’s.
“She was a very sweet person,” Lund said. “We talked a lot at school and at parties. She was very open and would talk about anything. She wasn’t afraid to tell embarrassing stories about herself.”
Professor Bob Miller said, “What I will remember most is the smile she brought to each class.”
Professor Henry Aldridge said Julia was a delightful person.
“She was hardworking, excited about learning and determined to experience life,” Aldridge said.
Julia said on several occasions her dream job was to become a show runner, the person responsible for the day-to-day operation of a television series, and she was eager to learn everything she could about the profession.
“Julia came to me with advising questions,” Gore said. “We enjoyed talking about her future career aspirations.”
Julia was one of 22 students who went on EMU’s annual Study Abroad trip to New York City for art, film and broadcasting students earlier this semester. Aldridge was one of the professors in charge of the trip.
“Julia was so happy to see the city, and was thrilled with the spectacular Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show in addition to all of the museums, galleries and great restaurants that we went on. I especially remember how delighted she was to take the Circle Line Harbor Cruise and to see the Statue of Liberty up close,” Aldridge said.
It was on the New York trip that Julia met Shanna Gilkeson.
“She was an electronic media major, and as I’m deeply involved with E-TV Campus Cable Channel 18, I had talked to her about the idea of working on some of the shows that will be in production next semester,” she said. “Between her announcing class and the New York trip, Julia became very passionate about the idea of working in television, and her enthusiasm was infectious.”
Gilkeson said she was very sad to hear about Julia’s death.
“I found her to be a bright, ambitious young woman, and I very much looked forward to working with her next semester. I didn’t see her much after the trip, but we exchanged a few messages on Twitter. What happened to her is such a tragedy … Her family and friends are in my thoughts.”
According to numerous sources, Julia’s family meant a lot to her, and keeping them up to date on her whereabouts was very important to her.
Aldridge saw evidence of the close family bond while on the New York trip with Julia.
“Julia sat on the plane next to me and was very uneasy about flying. She couldn’t wait to get out her iPhone and call her relatives to tell them that she had landed safely,” he said.
After her trip to New York City, Julia eagerly shared stories with classmates and teachers about going on the NBC Studio Tour and attending the taping of Anderson Cooper’s talk show, “Anderson Live.”
She said she’d had a good time, and that she intended to go on the Study Abroad program’s annual summer trip to Italy. She had already submitted her application.
Many people at EMU and beyond have expressed their grief over Julia’s death.
Emily Chandonnet of Monroe knew Julia in high school, and the two attended Monroe County Community College together.
“She was always full of spirit and energy, constantly talking and telling stories,” Chandonnet said. “She was a joy to be around, a bubble of joy that made you want to be excited too. Her presence in many lives will truly be missed, but her memory will live on forever.”
Adrienne Ayers, one of Julia’s classmates, said she was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“I’m praying for Julia’s family and I hope you all do the same. For the short time I knew Julia she was always happy, smiling and had a great sense of humor,“ Ayers said.
Ayers said she and her classmates intend to sign a card and give it the Niswender family. A candlelight vigil will be held Friday, Dec. 14 on the EMU campus.
Gore and Miller both said they were devastated, as was the rest of their department, by the news of Julia’s untimely death.
“Professors really care about their students,” Miller said. “I will miss her.”
Jacob McLaughlin, a close friend of the Niswender family, is acting as their spokesman.
“Obviously the family is completely in shock,” McLaughlin said.
Jennifer Niswender, Julia’s twin sister and a graduate of EMU, was
particularly affected. The two were very close, and even had matching tattoos containing both of their names.
“It’s been tough on her probably the most of anybody,” McLaughlin said. “She feels like half of her has been torn away; that’s a direct quote.”
“No one will ever understand what I am going through right now… but words can’t describe how I feel,” Jennifer wrote on her Facebook page. “Julia was my twin, other half, and best friend. No one will ever understand the bond we shared. I love her so much and just don’t know how I can go on. My beautiful sister didn’t deserve this. Justice will be served even if it is the last thing I do! The rest of my life I will be living for her.”
McLaughlin had attended the same middle school as Julia in their hometown of Monroe, Mich. and had known her for more than 12 years.
“We met in 7th grade and became instant friends. We had an awesome, incredible relationship. We were always at each others’ house growing up,” McLaughlin said.
The two had remained close and still talked to each other routinely.
“The last communication I had with her was on Sunday, when she sent me a text message saying happy birthday,” McLaughlin said.
A fund has been established to help her family pay for expenses related to the tragedy. McLaughlin urges anyone who wants to help Julia’s family to donate to the Julia Niswender Fund. Donations can be made at any branch of Monroe Bank & Trust.
The cause of Julia’s death remains unknown, and the police are treating the death as an apparent homicide. McLaughlin said the family could not reveal any details about the ongoing investigation.
“I pray for the safety of the campus, and I pray that the investigation concludes and that the police have everything they need to solve this,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin urges anyone who might have information about what happened to contact the EMU and Ypsilanti police, adding that tips can be given anonymously.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Ypsilanti Police Detective Sgt. Thomas Eberts at 734-482-9878 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
The visitation for Julia will be Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2-8 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 16 from 12-8 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 South Custer Road in Monroe, Mich.
The funeral for Julia will be Monday, Dec. 17 at Redeemer Fellowship Church, 5305 Evergreen Drive in Monroe, Mich.