September 2024 Newsletter is out-Read it here!
In this issue of our newsletter, we are highlighting the first 4 scholarship recipients. Very exciting to see our efforts making a difference! Congratulations to all and best of luck…
The Nikolas Romano UTSA Scholarship Fund
Every Student Deserves An Opportunity
“Failed Experiments creates opportunities for students to develop and experience education in a way that embodies the legacy of Nik Romano; a dreamer, maker, and doer whose love of ingenuity and creation is reflected in his love of all things Halloween.”
Rick and Julianne Romano
Founders of the Nik Romano UTSA Scholarship Fund
“When I first visited with Nik’s parents, Rick and Julianne, it was born out of tragedy for them and their family. As I got to know Nik through them, I saw someone who truly embodied the roadrunner spirit and had a desire to help other people in any way possible. To preserve Nik’s legacy at UTSA the Romano family along with their friends have started The Nikolas Andreas Romano Legacy Endowed Scholarship, which will go directly to support students and offer the helping hand that Nik was known for. This endowment at UTSA will award sizable scholarships to multiple UTSA students majoring in Construction Science and Management each year, and as a result Nik’s legacy will live on through them and their successes.”
Taylor Phelps
Chief Development Officer UTSA
Our family of three has always had a love for Halloween and the fun and laughter that comes with it.
As a family, we had created an elaborate Halloween event for our community that was fun for all as our contribution to the community. The three of us designed, built, performed, and did whatever else was necessary for a successful event as it grew each and every year.
On September 21, 2023, our world came crashing down on us. Our son, Nikolas, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident at the age 24.
Our first thought was to cancel all Halloween activities for evermore.
However, the community that we gave to came together and gave back to us. They supported us through the very difficult first Halloween by giving their time and effort to get everything set up, operating, and finally taken down and put away.
During this time, in an effort to channel our grief and anguish, we set up a scholarship at UTSA in Nik’s name. After Halloween, we made the decision to keep growing our Halloween as a tribute to Nik and to use the platform to continue to raise funds for what has now become a fully endowed scholarship.
Nik, we will forever love you to the moon and back.
“No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away, until the clock wound up winds down, until the wine she made has finished its ferment, until the crop they planted is harvested, until their name is spoken for the last time. The span of someone’s life is only the core of their actual existence.”
Terry Pratchett
Reaper Man
Nik’s Story
We use frail, innately inadequate words to describe people and emotions that, in actuality, defy all human language. Our son Nik and our unconditional, boundless love for him are two such indescribable entities. We hope to give you the smallest insight into the exceptional person he was with that we have crafted out of our love for him as his adoring, proud parents.
From the earliest ages, Nik lived life his way and on his terms. He did not tolerate transactional relationships; he wanted genuine friendships and was willing to forego any relationship at all if it was not to be a true friendship. A high school girlfriend once asked Nik what he thought made him special. Nik’s response was that he didn’t think he was special, rather he thought he was unique. Yes, he was unique. Very unique.
He was generous with his time and money—willing to go the greatest lengths to help his friends. He was extraordinarily kind to all of those around him—whether in his friend circle or not. He was constantly curious—whether with work, his cars that he treasured so much, the Halloween displays we built, or just about anything else.
As a son to his Mom and Dad, he could not have been a better person. He made us better people by being a part of our lives. He challenged conventional wisdom, brought unique viewpoints to every discussion, and was always engaged in the family.
Nik packed a lot of living in his short 24 years. He traveled to 42 states, 5 countries (his favorite was Japan!), went to concerts around the country, most recently to New York City where he met up with friends to explore the city and enjoy live music. He supported budding artists that he discovered and liked, whether it be musical art or fine art. He collected cars—mostly Miatas but his last one was a 1996 Honda Civic.
He learned to work on them and was fearless and creative when it came to doing repairs and modifications. He helped create and run the Halloween Haunt that we did as a family each year. He quickly fell into a routine with his career and loved working with the teams. He learned to be a very good cook and was not afraid to try new dishes and cuisines.
I unfortunately just recently found out about your son Nik’s passing. I went to Communication Arts HS with Nik. I wasn’t a close friend of his and I can’t remember talking with him more than a handful of times, but I still enjoyed my encounters with him. When I read that he passed, I saw a comment that said, “if you knew Nik, you loved him”. I would like to add, if you merely observed Nik, you loved him. He always had a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He was truly one of a kind.
Yes. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. The world is worse off not having Nik here.
Nik, we cherished every moment we had with you and miss you every moment of every day.
All of our love, Mom and Dad.
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