Friends and Family of Alexa Rae Bertram

This Fund was established in honor and loving memory of Alexa “Lexi” Bertram who passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2008. It is the hope of her family and friends that through this scholarship, Alexa’s memory will continue to live on and encourage incoming freshmen to achieve the goal of earning a college degree from NIU, as was the dream of Alexa. It is the intent of this scholarship to financially assist graduates of Glenbard North High School who embody the spirit, and strength in character, that Alexa exemplified as a student and most importantly, as a person. Alexa was a passionate and creative young woman full of many talents. Growing up, she participated in science fairs, Brownies, Girl Scouts, sports, and dance. She was also an altar server at her parish. At a young age, Lexi began to learn the importance of her education, civic responsibility, and the arts, all of which steered her path as a young adult. Fulfilling her aspirations, Alexa was proud to have been accepted to NIU for the fall 2008 semester, and could not wait to begin life on campus. It was her intention to become a psychology major with a minor in creative writing. As a student at Glenbard North High School, Alexa was involved in many different causes, and believed in taking a stand for her beliefs. She participated in ‘Students for Peace and Peer Mediation’ and ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA). In January of 2008, she had the opportunity to participate in a ‘Right-to-Life’ Rally in Washington D.C. She graduated in June of 2008 as an honor roll student. Alexa was an avid reader who could read a novel in two days. Alexa also had a passion for writing, and was recognized in the Spring 2008 issue of College of DuPage’s Prairie Light Review Literary Magazine for her poetry. Alexa had big dreams but also enjoyed the small things in life like shopping, music, movies, yoga, Starbucks, and Harry Potter books.
Alexa’s family and friends will always remember her as a caring, intelligent, and passionate young woman. She was the kind of person who wanted to make a positive difference in the world. As a registered organ donor, Alexa was able to change lives. In her passing, she saved the lives of three adults. Despite being taken before her time, Alexa’s desire to be a part of NIU will be fulfilled even in her absence. It was her goal to earn her degree from Northern Illinois University. Her family and friends have established this scholarship so that her legacy will live on. She is greatly missed.