The annual Oregon State University In Memoriam event will be held in the Memorial Union Lounge on May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Live music, activities, and reflections will honor OSU students, faculty, and alumni who have passed away this past year in the upcoming annual OSU In Memoriam.

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged and welcomed to join the event’s livestream on OSU Live.

A classical guitar ensemble, featuring graduate students and their instructor, will be performing at the beginning and end of the program. In addition, the OSU Vocal Ensemble will sing three songs, including Alma Mater.

According to Aubrie Piper, the Associate Dean of Student Care Services who is involved in the event, the ensembles’ musical performance “feels particularly special this year as one of the individuals we will be honoring was actively involved in music at OSU.”

A large portion of the planned event includes reflections on the lives and legacies of honored individuals. Representatives of three community groups: faculty and staff, alumni and students will deliver speeches. After each speech, the names of members of each group who have passed away will be displayed.

This will be the fifth year that the In Memorium event brings together OSU community members to recognize, grieve, and honor those who have passed on. The event was originally conceived from the desire to hold an official gathering on campus to remember and mourn the loss of cherished individuals.

“The original inspiration for the event came in response to the OSU community’s wishes to formally have an event to grieve the passing of colleagues and friends who had died in the past year. While each Beaver that passes may be honored individually throughout the year by their community, this event was seen as an opportunity to come together to remember the special memories of our community,” Piper said.

According to Tess Webster-Henry, a Mental Health Promotion & Suicide Prevention Specialist at the counseling center, the event was initiated as a collaborative effort from groups and organizations across campus. In Memoriam continues to be organized by the Faculty Senate, the Ombuds Office, Student Care/Office of the Dean of Students, Media Services, Human Resources, The Family Resource Center, ASOSU, the Memorial Union and Counseling and Psychological Services.

The event continues to strive to foster unity and remembrance.

“It is a way for those most closely affected by a loss to feel supported by the OSU community and a way for the OSU community to come together to support each other. Each member of our community is precious,” Webster-Henry said.

Similarly to Webster-Henry, Piper believes that In Memoriam is important in honoring OSU community members who have passed away.

“This event embodies a culture of care and remembrance. It demonstrates the true spirit of the Beaver community by honoring the contributions of each person that has been apart of every chapter of our university,” Piper said.

More information about OSU’s In Memoriam events and grieving resources available to OSU students, faculty and staff can be found on the student affairs website.