Jan Hockensmith Laun – Veritas Friend for 27 Years

Republished from Veritas View, December 2023

We mourn the death of Jan Hockensmith Laun, who passed away on October 8, 2023 after suffering from cancer for a short time. Her last visit to Sighisoara was in May of this year. 

Jan was a professor of Social Work at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. She first came to Romania in 1996 with a group of university professors to learn about the Romanian Studies Program (RSP). She quickly became a fan of RSP and was very active in encouraging Olivet students to spend a semester in Romania.

Each year in May Jan also accompanied a group of students for a three-week Romanian experience. Without a doubt Jan brought more American students to Sighisoara than any other person. Working alongside our Romanian staff, these students contributed so much to Veritas for many years through their fresh ideas, energy, compassion, and financial support. 

Jan loved Romania, Sighisoara, Veritas .... and even after retiring, she still came almost every year, offering devotions, activities for elderly and special needs clubs, and helping out wherever needed. Jan was very generous. She always traveled to Romania with two huge suitcases full of gifts for staff and materials for programs. 

Nine years ago, Jan married George Laun, a widower, and a very practical man. He gladly came with Jan to Romania and helped Ghita with all sorts of projects and repairs at Veritas. George was in total agreement with Jan's generosity, and her financial support for the Veritas Foundation. When Jan died, George suggested that her friends make donations to Veritas. Faith, kindness, faithfulness, generosity, and perseverance are traits that Jan has modeled for us. Let us thank God for her, and others who have been an example to us. May God give us the grace to finish the race well, as she did.

We want to organize “Jan’s Camp,” a summer camp for 100 children that will include art, music, sports and cooking. The cost for the camp will be $4,500. Your donations will help make this camp possible. All donations are tax deductible. Online donations can be made at https://give.ncm.org/donate/134477.