Jennifer Fitzgerald (composer/pianist) passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2007, following an extended battle with cancer. Jen was a founding member and longtime co-director of pulsoptional; as the group's first Administrative Director, she laid crucial groundwork for our continued viability. In her too-short but well-lived life, Jen touched many; she was fiercely dedicated to her musical, intellectual, and moral ideals, as well as to her friends and fellow artists. We miss her dearly, and hope that you will take a moment out of your day to remember her as well.

Lawrence University (Appleton, WI), where Jennifer was a Visiting Professor, gave a memorial concert in her honor on March 3, 2008. pulsoptional and Jen's musical communities in Durham, New York and Boston plan to memorialize and pay tribute to Jennifer through concerts in the upcoming months. We will share the details with all of you as soon as the events take form.

Donations in her name may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure
• Appleton, WI Post-Crescent obituary
• American Opera Projects
• Real Bands, Real Bonds: In Memory of Jennifer Fitzgerald
  by Caroline Mallonée
• Lawrence University
• Jennifer's website
• Jennifer's myspace page