The Oyster Bay community paid tribute to award winning journalist Marie Colvin at Oyster Bay High School on Saturday, Oct. 11. The school library was officially dedicated in her name and a portrait of the journalist who died on the frontlines in Syria in 2012 was proudly displayed at the entrance of the library. The event was put together by members of the Oyster Bay class of 1974 who held their 40th class reunion over the weekend.
Oyster Bay High School Principal Dennis O’Hara gave a short speech in honor of Colvin’s name. Nassau County legislators Judi Jacobs and Donald MacKenzie also gave speeches, along with Colvin’s sister, Catherine Colvin, and Donna Fiore-Houman, who helped coordinate the event. Both were members of the class of ‘74. Founding dean of the School of Journalism at Stony Brook University, Howard Schneider, also gave a small speech at the end of the ceremony.
“It is a momentous occasion to dedicate this library in Marie Colvin’s name,” said Principal O’Hara. “Her life symbolizes humility, courage and service beyond self and this space will forever embody Marie Colvin and the Oyster Bay High School class of 1974.”
Fiore-Houman said that this was a wonderful tribute in light of the tragedy that took the former Oyster Bay resident’s life.
“I grew up and went to school with Marie and I worked with her sister Cat. I was very close with the family,” said Fiore-Houman. “When I heard she passed away two years ago I wanted to have a tribute to her and a portrait of her as a gift from the class of 1974 here at the school. I presented the idea to the board of education and it has been a long time coming to fruition.”
The library, which has been officially renamed the Marie C. Colvin Memorial library, now has multiple quotes from Colvin strewn across its walls and a portrait of the legendary foreign correspondent at its front entrance.
“Education was the most important part of my family’s life,” said Catherine Colvin. “It is incredibly fitting today that her name is honored surrounded by all these books, because she was a voracious reader and loved book fairs, shows and especially libraries.”
She said that what made her sister such a great journalist was that she was engaging in her approach and that she took the time to listen to people’s stories.
“I hope Marie’s life and her work will inspire students to dig deeper and question things in order to find the truth.”
The Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting was opened in February 2013 at Stony Brook University’s School of Journalism.
“Marie Colvin made such an impact in journalism with her independent, courageous reporting from the field,” said Schneider. “It’s not just about looking at news reports from the Internet or your cell phone but being there to bear witness, being courageous and telling stories from the front line.”
