Derrick Salvato was ready to take on new challenges after his graduation in May. After he completed his degree in actuarial science, he planned to work in the business field and eventually obtain a master's degree. He had already met with several recruiters, several of whom called for follow-up interviews.

But nobody who knew him was prepared for the two-car crash that killed him and his 16-year-old brother Nathan December 27 near their home in Unionville as they were returning from the local YMCA.

Salvato was a dean's list student who was involved in many pursuits including mountain biking and weight lifting. He was also president of the Penn State Badminton Club.

Rick and Cheryl Salvato said their son liked the atmosphere, teachers and people at Penn State, but he was ready to leave.

"He was convinced he was going to have a successful future," she said. "He was looking forward to new experiences."

He would joke with his parents that he had so many interests that he would eventually retire from a career in industry to explore other things.

Salvato passed two actuarial science certification examinations, the confirmation of which came shortly after his death.

Derrick Min (senior-aerospace engineering), who became friends with Salvato during freshman year of high school, has led the effort to have the Smeal College of Business Administration grant Salvato the degree he was so close to earning.

According to Todd Ellis, vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly, the process of approving the issuing of a posthumous degree involves three steps. Approval from the student's college is necessary, and then the University Faculty Senate is petitioned, with President Graham Spanier having the final say.

David Christy, associate dean for undergraduate programs in Smeal College, said the degree will be granted to Salvato's family in recognition of his high academic standing and the important role education played in his life.

Former roommate and friend Mike Reilly (senior-English) said Salvato had completed 125 credits, and he needed 135 credits to get his bachelor of science.

"He earned it," he said. "He did everything a university could ask of him."

Meghan McDermott (senior-psychology) said her friend would be happy about getting the degree he worked for.

"He wanted it for his parents," she said. "He would be happy we would do it for his family. His first priorities were for his family."

His parents were proud of their son's efforts as he focused on getting his degree.

"He worked hard. He always kept his eye on his goal — any goal he set for himself," his mother said.

Salvato's friends and family noted the close relationship he had with his brother. His parents said Derrick hoped to help pay for Nathan's college education and was a good role model to him and their younger sister.

His friends fondly remember the times they spent with a person they described as a great friend and a wonderful person.

Jess Offord (senior-biology) met him during the summer session before their freshman year of college and remained friends with Salvato throughout their days on campus.

"He was always there to make me laugh as well as console my tears. He listened to me as well as confided in me," she wrote in an e-mail. "The best years of my life were here and I am glad to say that Derrick Salvato was a part of them."

Though people may drift apart over time, she said that their relationship was different.

"Derrick's been there through so many changes. Each year he's been there," she said. "As people change they grow apart, but I never felt like I lost touch."

McDermott remembered their sophomore year, when she, Salvato, Min and Reilly shared an apartment.

"I feel so privileged I got to live with them. The friendship between the three of them was amazing," she said.

She recalled how competitive they would become when playing cards and board games, calling them "grudge matches."

For Offord, it was the little things — things she said she can not put into words — that meant the most.

"We've gone to lots of parties together, but the best times were just hanging out with him. Just sitting around, Derrick Min playing his guitar, just all together," she said.

Cheryl Salvato saw one basic reason for the loyalty his friends showed him, many of who still keep in touch with his family.

"Derrick was as interested in the well-being and happiness of his friends as his own," she said.

His friends know he would have succeeded after graduation, but can now only imagine how far he might have gone.

"It's just an incredible loss for us. Penn State lost a lot too. He definitely would have made the Penn State name proud," Reilly said.

While it is still hard for his parents to talk about, they will always remember their two sons.

"Derrick was very precious and dear and so was his brother," said Cheryl, "and we'll love them forever."