James “Jimmy” Egan had a great start to his college career. The husky outgoing freshman from Evergreen Park and I were both studying journalism and both in Kellogg Hall.

Jimmy, one of the most outgoing people in the dorm, instantly helped us to become one big family. But by parents weekend, a month into our first college year, nobody really knew just how close Jimmy would bring us.

After our group of friends all met each others’ parents, we had a fun night in a basement show. When the band was done Jimmy and some others decided to walk to Wise Guys Piza & Subs. I headed back to Kellogg.

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About 20 minutes later we received a phone call from Austin Bennett, who had been with Jimmy.

Bennett explained that Jimmy was run over in a hit and run accident. Police would later charge the driver with a hit and run, speeding and drunk driving.

Jimmy was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale where he was stabilized and then transferred to an intensive care unit in St. Louis. His school year had ended.

At Kellogg Hall everyone came together. People were hugging each other. Jimmy was on everyone’s mind, so we planned visits to see him in St. Louis. All of us at Kellogg felt terrible for Jimmy, but tried to remain optimistic.

It was a long process, but Jimmy would stay in touch with his Kellogg friends.

At one point, Jimmy was told that he had just a one in five chance to keep his right leg that was badly mangled in the accident.

But Jimmy is more than just a funny and nice guy; he is a fighter and filled with determination. He told doctors he wanted to keep his leg, and would do whatever he needed to do.

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We felt the need to help Jimmy with his recovery and started a fundraiser to help with his medical bills and raised almost $1,000.

For months Jimmy worked hard to save his leg, 11 surgeries, hours of physical therapy, and an untold quantity of determination. First came a wheelchair, then crutches and later a cane.

Last month, on move in day at Kellogg Hall, Jimmy got out of his dad’s car, and walked on his own two legs into the hall, and up three flights of stairs to our dorm room.

There was a lot of emotion in the air. Jimmy, wearing a large grin, moved slowly as students, staff and faculty helping with the move in, hooted, hollered and cheered.

Students rushed up for hugs and offered to help carry his belongings.

As I think of the year since Jimmy was hit, I think that he was robbed of a year of his life. He is back in his freshman classes taking UCOL 101, a course to inspire you about college life. For me, I have my roommate Jimmy.

He is a huge source of inspiration for me and for all of us. Even before the accident, we called ourselves best friends. Some day I want him in my wedding, sharing the love we have as friends for everyone there. I would give Jimmy the shirt off my back if he needed it, and I have no doubt he would do the same for me. He has and always will hold a special place in my heart.