The conditions of two St. Thomas students who were critically injured by a hit-and-run driver in November continue to improve. Rebekka Peterson went home from the hospital Friday, Jan. 10, and Nicholas Bergeland is scheduled to go home within a week.
A benefit for the students was held at Scooter's on Saturday, Jan. 11. Approximately 300 people attended the event, which helped raise $13,000 to offset medical costs. Both students' families were in attendance and expressed gratitude to the St. Thomas community for the support they have received over the last two months.
Karen Lange, dean of students, said that although they have a long road ahead of them, "We are so proud of Bekka and Nick for how far they have come in terms of recovery - they have both worked very hard to get to where they are today." Neither will return to UST for spring semester.
Caring Bridge sites are available for both Peterson and Bergeland.
A car struck them Nov. 24 after they got out of a cab in the 1900 block of Grand Avenue several blocks east of campus. A 40-year-old St. Paul woman was arrested in connection with the accident but was released. She has not been charged.