Oregon State University Division of Student Affairs hosted its sixth annual “In Memoriam” event on Tuesday in the Memorial Union Lounge.
Around two dozen members of the OSU community gathered in remembrance of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others who died in the last year with ties to the university.
The event was hosted by Kevin Dougherty, senior associate vice president and dean of students. It featured speeches by faculty, alumni and staff representatives, along with performances by the OSU vocal and guitar ensembles.
Jayathi Murthy, president of OSU, made an in-person statement while Sherman Bloomer, OSU-Cascades chancellor and dean, made a pre-recorded statement as he could not attend the event.
“Our beloved university is more than a school or employer — it is where our loved ones studied, worked, played and defined themselves,” Murthy said. “Our community is stronger because of them.”
Next came speeches from faculty, alumni and student representatives. Between speeches, slides were played with the names of recently deceased OSU community members.
“Positions come and go, as do tasks, responsibilities and much more,” said Faculty Senate President Jake Hamblin. “What remains are the connections we make with one another and the care that we take with our relationships, with our friends and colleagues with whom we have spent our lives.”
John Valva, director of the OSU Alumni Association, cited the impact OSU alumni can have outside the university.
“This evening we celebrate, tempering our grief with the certainty that each graduating class of Beavers, each research breakthrough, and each instance of an Oregon Stater being of service is a living monument to those we honor today,” Valva said.
Nikki Gold, Student Veterans Association president, gave a speech recognizing the impact students have on campus life.
“This ceremony asks us to do something that our busy lives often make difficult — to pause, to recognize that behind every classroom seat, every office door, every lab bench, and every student here; there is a life, a story, a family, a circle of friends, a legacy of impact that continues far beyond campus,” Gold said.
Between speeches, the OSU Vocal Ensemble performed renditions of “Carry Me Back (Alma Mater),” “The Road Home” and “Dedicated to the One I Love.”
After the speeches, PRAx Fellow and Master of Fine Arts Candidate Elyssa Cook, recited her poem, “Candids for Mr. G.”
This was followed by a moment of remembrance and a duet of “Over the Rainbow” by the OSU guitar ensemble.
Students who are grieving have resources for support on campus.
“CAPS is a good option for students in need of support and is available 24/7 by calling 541-737-2131. The number is also on the back of all OSU ID cards,” said Tessie Webster-Henry, mental health promotion & suicide prevention specialist, in an email. “Student Care can also be a good resource if a student is experiencing academic impacts due to grief.
