After Saul Schrader, San Jose State business junior, was found dead in his Sunnyvale family home Friday morning, more than 100 university community members gathered hours later to commemorate his life.
Upon hearing Schrader died in his sleep, his friends and family members shared stories and memories of him outside the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house at 189 S. 11th Street during a somber vigil from 9-10p.m.
Several attendees brought candles and flowers in honor of Schrader, who was a Delta Sigma Phi fraternity member.
Zachary Birrer, Delta Sigma Phi chapter president, began a GoFundMe for Schrader’s family, which has amassed more than $10,000, according to the fundraising webpage.
“It's good for the community to come together,” Birrer said. “But I'm also very proud of the community for coming out and supporting Saul even if they didn't know him directly.”
He said the community support reminded him of the 2014 death of Delta Sigma Phi member Chi Lam. Lam was killed by a suspected drunk driver, according to an Oct. 27, 2014 ABC 7 news article.
Jacob Schauerman, mechanical engineering senior and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity member, said he was in class when he heard of Schrader’s sudden death.
“It's been very, very hard. He was definitely one of my closest friends, and you know, I saw him every single day for multiple hours of the day, ” Schauerman said. “I knew his hopes, his fears, his ups and downs and, you know, it was just, it's indescribable to have that kind of connection snatched away from you.”
He said he’ll miss the positive effect Schrader had on those who knew him.
“He always wore [a] smile,” Schauerman said. “He always knew how to cheer people up and as an individual, he was probably one of the happiest people you'd ever meet and would never know the struggles that he's been through.”
Birrer said Schrader didn’t let his physical issues, which included arthritis, affect his relationships with others.
“Just being around him was an uplifting feeling,” He said. “He experienced pain on a daily basis because of his arthritis and you would never know, like, ever. I mean, the dude was just constantly [smiling], constantly laughing, making jokes, trying to talk to you and get you talking.”
At the end of the vigil, the Delta Sigma Phi members invited Saul’s close friends and family inside the fraternity house for a final toast.
Kenneth Mashinchi, SJSU senior director of strategic communications and media, said the university has reached out to those who were close to Schrader.
"San Jose State University is saddened by the passing of Saul Schrader,” Mashinchi said in an email. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schrader family, and SJSU is reaching out to those who knew Saul to offer condolences and services. Any students who would like to speak with a counselor during this time can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)."
Students can schedule a CAPS appointment through a phone call at (408) 924-5910 or in-person on the third floor of the Student Wellness Center during business hours, according to the CAPS website.
CAPS is physically open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and online Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., according to the same website.
“I love you Saul, as more than just a brother but as a friend,” Schauerman said. “And I hope you rest easy and [you’re] having a kickass time wherever you are.”
