In the short time that Amelia Albertsen, 22, spent in the Islands, she made an impact on the people she knew.

Albertsen, of Iowa, was one of three people killed in a 100 mph crash early Thursday morning at the entrance to the Wilson Tunnel.

Police said a 2001 Audi, driven by James Krzywonski, was traveling toward Kane'ohe on Likelike Highway at 100 mph. Krzywonski lost control on a turn before the tunnel, and the car slammed into a concrete barrier at the entrance to the tunnel.

Albertsen, Krzywonski, 30, and another passenger, Keone Cardenas, 25, died at the scene of the crash.

Albertsen was attending Argosy University, Hawai'i, enrolled in a five-year clinical psychology doctoral program since last fall.

Students and faculty held a memorial for her yesterday remembering her high energy and natural curiosity, said Tom Vonk, university president.

Faculty said she was always prepared for class and willing to participate in every topic.

"The faculty said she was one of the very best students," Vonk said. "Several speaking at the memorial said invariably no matter what the question was in the class, she was the first person to have her hand up."

Students recalled how she always smiled and spent time with other students helping them and encouraging them, he said.

She had no friends or family when she came to Hawai'i but soon became one of the visible people in the program, Vonk said.

He didn't know if she lived in Kane'ohe nor much about her plans that evening.

The school is collecting notes from friends, students and faculty to send to Albertsen's family.

"Everybody that I talked to ... thinks the world of her," Vonk said. "It's a real loss for us as a community."