Courage and Strength

A Tribute to Austin Currie & Chandler Koerting

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Austin Bradlee Currie was born in Brunswick, Maine, on January 2, 1996, to Jeff and Cathy Currie and big brother, Jeffrey “Taylor.” Two years later, their little sister Morgan arrived.

Chandler Michael Koerting was born in Orlando, Florida, on February 11, 1996, to Michael and Janice Koerting. He was followed by his brother Connor three years later.

Ask anyone to name their favorite attribute of these long-time best friends and you’re likely to hear something about how selfless they were. Both young men had a reputation for helping people, and always doing so cheerfully. They’ll probably also mention how Austin always wore flip-flops and shorts—even through snowbanks and torrential downpours.

Both Austin and Chandler worked at Camp Akita in Illinois during the summer, and as a result, Chandler turned his passion for helping people into a job by becoming a certified lifeguard.

“He was quite proud of this accomplishment,” notes John-Luke Navarro, Chandler’s roommate who also shared a suite with Austin. “The night before the accident, a group of us were at a vespers service at a professor’s home, and after worship we all went down to the river. Many were joking that someone was going to end up in the water, and Chandler confidently stated that we shouldn’t worry—he was a lifeguard.”

Laughing and having fun were just part of life around Austin and Chandler. Friends, family and professors remember the young men as being fun-loving, cheerful individuals with big hearts.

“Austin was an extremely kind and devoted person, and also a ton of fun,” recalls Navarro. “He constantly had suggestions to shake up dull moments, and consistently acted on them.”

Austin’s parents recall that even as an infant, Austin preferred being outdoors, and his love for nature grew with him.

“He spent hours playing outside with his brother and sister,” they say. “They climbed trees and played sports in spring, summer and fall, but the cold, snowy winter was his favorite season. He spent it building snow forts, sledding, ice skating and having snowball fights.”

This love for the outdoors continued into his adult years; he was always first to volunteer to lead a hike, be someone’s running partner or give a tour of “his woods.”

“Outdoors, anytime, anywhere was Austin’s sanctuary,” remembers Navarro. “He loved dragging Chandler and I on romps around the trails or to set up hammocks.”

Austin and Chandler met during their freshman year at Hinsdale Adventist Academy in Illinois. They found kindred spirits in each other with their mutual love of the outdoors and adventure and their love of laughter and having a good time.

“It was a natural fit for the boys to room together at Andrews,” say Chandler’s parents. “They were constantly in each other’s room, hanging out, studying and sharing food.”

Navarro recalls that he arrived at Andrews University “knowing few people and with fewer friends,” as he had attended public school. Austin, whom Navarro knew from Camp Akita, introduced Navarro to Chandler, and the three instantly became inseparable.

“They were my two closest friends,” Navarro says. “Austin was a rather energetic, social, outdoorsy and driven person. Chandler was much more subdued, relaxed and generally laid-back. They were very different people, but that didn’t prevent them from being best friends. And one thing they both had in common was their kindness and their willingness to listen and offer input when asked.”

Chandler’s parents recall that his kindness and empathy were visible at an early age and remained apparent throughout his life.

“They were part of the core that made up Chandler Koerting,” they say, “the young man who sat quietly and allowed his friends the opportunity to express themselves.”

When Austin became an RA and was unable to have a roommate, Navarro and Chandler decided to room together.

“Probably our only regular schism was in regards to our sleep schedules,” says Navarro with a smile. “I enjoy going to bed early and getting up early; Chandler would always go to bed hours later.”

Despite his late nights, Chandler was a “grade A” student, according to his professors. Bill Wolfer, assistant professor of computer science, recalls that Chandler was often found explaining computing concepts and algorithms to his classmates, always looking out for those who needed help.

“Chandler was a top-notch student whose kind demeanor and gentle wit was infectious,” says Wolfer. “It was a pleasure to have him in class; his thoughtful questions and curiosity for knowledge defined a young professional who loved his career.”

Chandler’s parents note his thirst for knowledge, as well, recalling that it was a constant source of entertainment during family road trips.

“We’ll never really know for sure, but we thought Chandler’s enjoyment quotient saw a notable uptick once he obtained a cell phone on which he could endlessly find the answers to his mom’s questions and his own never-ending search for facts,” they say.

Austin’s passion for knowledge took him in the direction of leadership. During his sophomore year of high school he was elected student association vice president and served as president during his junior and senior years. Austin also spent his senior year serving as co-president of his local chapter of the National Honor Society, as well as volleyball team captain.

“He gave 110 percent to all he did,” say Austin’s parents. “His hyperactive nature was infectious to all those around him, and he channeled that energy into a passion for life, discovering a gift for leadership in the process.”

Both Austin and Chandler were part of the Department of Engineering & Computer Science at Andrews University. Austin was working toward becoming the mechanical engineer he’d wanted to be since his freshman year of high school; Chandler, after exploring both mechanical and chemical engineering, chose to work toward a degree in computing with a minor in engineering. Both were stellar students.

“Austin was a top tier student—someone you could always count on,” says Wolfer. “He lifted those around him to a higher place and never missed an opportunity to reach out and be a friend.”

The scholarship and caring nature of both young men was noticed by all who knew them, including Hyun Kwon, chair of the Department of Engineering & Computer Science.

“They were energetic and hardworking students,” she says. “Austin and Chandler knew what they wanted to do with their lives and were confident as they moved forward toward those goals, setting their priorities straight and figuring out what should be the focus of their lives.”

Austin and Chandler embodied the spirit of Andrews University in their dreams to change the world.

“They were fearless,” say Chandler’s parents. Austin desired to end world hunger and Chandler wanted to discover the cure for cancer.

“What a force for change these two young men were determined to become,” they add. “What an incredible gift they had, befriending each other when they did and growing together into young men of courage and strength.”

Honoring Austin & Chandler

Two memorial funds have been established to honor and remember Austin Currie & Chandler Koerting.

The Austin Currie & Chandler Koerting Memorial Fund is dedicated to supporting and furthering Seventh-day Adventist elementary and secondary education by benefiting the tuition needs of Hinsdale Adventist Academy students.

Checks can be made payable to:

Illinois Association
619 Plainfield Road
Willowbrook IL 60521

On the memo line, indicate “AC Memorial Fund”

For credit card gifts, EFT/wire transfers or questions, please contact Mike Daum at mdaum@ilcsda.org or 630-856-2850.

The Andrews University Department of Engineering & Computer Science has established the Austin Currie and Chandler Koerting Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund to assist worthy engineering students. You may contribute online at andrews.edu/go/give/austinchandlermem.