October 16, 1988 – March 26, 2010

Elia Bryan, an SAIC student, passed away on March 26, 2010 from alcohol-related injuries. A second-year student, Elia was an avid and highly gifted painter with an effervescent, passionate personality.

Elia’s mother, Irene Bryan, said that an art and architecture class Elia was taking this semester had become a strong influence, sparking a decision to switch to an architectural track at SAIC, merging her love for painting and drawing, mathematics and architecture.

The oldest of three, Elia was born October 16, 1988, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She grew up mostly in Fairfield, Connecticut, finishing her high school education in Massachusetts, where her family now lives.

Living in Chicago, Elia very much enjoyed the school, as well as the group of friends she made throughout her year and a half at SAIC. She was a fan of soul, rap and old school rock music who loved shopping with her friends.

Those close to her describe her as a carefree, spirited individual who would do anything for those she cared about. Always laughing and engaging others with her outspoken personality, Elia was a highly social, well-loved individual who strove for perfection — her attention to detail and critical nature exhibited in the skill level of her art work.

Elia’s family thanks the school for the kindness and support the SAIC community has shown. “Elia was very proud to be in the school,” Irene Bryan remarked. “We encourage the students to be careful. The School has an excellent counseling department, and Elia’s father and I are always available to talk. We would like to take this experience and to be a source of strength for others.”

Services will be held Saturday, April 3, at 1 p.m. at the Acton Congregational Church in Acton, Massachusetts.