Students who passed away over the last year were honored at the 15th annual MU Remembers on Friday in Stotler Lounge at Memorial Union.

To honor the students, their names will be engraved on a plaque that hangs inside Memorial Union, and books will be donated to Ellis Library.

Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin said all university flags were lowered to half-staff on Friday. The tower of Memorial Union was darkened and the bells above Reynolds Alumni Center and Switzler Hall rang out in honor of the deceased.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs said the memories of 12 members of the “Mizzou family” who lost their lives will live on through the community. She said the event is important because it gives the family and friends of those who have died an opportunity to come together.

“One of the best aspects of my job is working so closely with students, recognizing their joys, learning about their families and learning about their hopes and dreams,” Scroggs said. “College is a time in their lives when all their goals are achievable and all their dreams are within reach. The saddest aspect of my job is learning that a student’s potential is extinguished through an untimely death.”

Loftin also spoke during the event.

“We’re here for a purpose,” he said. “To remember them, but to also demonstrate to the families something that is very critical — grief shared is grief better endured. Our being here today will not lessen grief, but knowing we share this grief among so many makes endurance of that grief possible.”

Theatre professor Clyde Ruffin recited the poem “Life is a Fading Mist” by Jessie Adolph and two students, senior James Malke and junior Alec Feldges, performed a guitar duo for the event.

Senior vocalist McKenzie Miller sang the lyrics to “Old Missouri” to end the ceremony.

The Missouri Students Association President Payton Head and the Graduate Professional Council President Hallie Thompson also spoke briefly about the 12 students who passed away this year.

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**David “Davy” Bland, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources**

Bland loved science, nature, conservation and being outdoors.

“He was an avid animal protector and couldn’t drive anywhere without stopping to help rescue an animal,” Thompson said.

Bland grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. During his time at Kirkwood High School, he helped start the Kirkwood Rugby Football Club and was inspired to become a future teacher, Thompson said.

Bland was working to complete a Masters of Education and was currently student teaching at Seckman High School in the zoology and biology department.

He was proud of his Mexican heritage and loved his extended family.

“Mizzou was an enormous part of his life; a true fan, he lived and breathed as a Mizzou Tiger,” Thompson said.

**Chanel Goodwin-Watkins, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources**

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Goodwin-Watkins enjoyed keeping up with her hometown’s sports teams, like the Bengals.

As a graduate student at CAFNR, she was also a member of Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

**Cale Boedeker, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources**

[Boedeker](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/10/1/deceased-agr-brother-honored-candlelight-vigil/)’s only choice for college was MU, Head said.

Boedeker was an active member in Alpha Gamma Rho, where he served as the fraternity chaplain. He was a sophomore majoring in fisheries and wildlife.

During his time on campus, Boedeker was extremely involved in his respective college and student organizations, Head said. This past summer, he worked in the Dean’s Office for CAFNR as a public relations intern.

“In his spare time, Cale loved listening to country music and attended many concerts,” Head said. “Cale was well-known among his peers as an excellent leader and a public speaker.”

As a tribute to Boedeker’s leadership, The Unsung Hero Scholarship, a scholarship for young men who stand out as leaders in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, was named in his honor, Head said.

Boedeker’s brother, sister and brother-in-law were all in the audience.

**Trent Bartolomucci, Trulaske College of Business**

During his life, Bartolomucci became well-known among family and friends for his passionate political perspectives and frugalness.

While studying at MU, Bartolomucci seemed to discover an incredible hunger for learning new things, Head said. His pursuit of accountancy came as a surprise, but made complete sense to Bartolomucci, who had the vision to lead a company someday.

“Trent found satisfaction in creating new things, as he loved to cook and spend time drawing,” Head said. “Trent loved the freedom of the outdoors and especially loved finding a good fishing hole.”

He also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Head said. To relax, he filled his time with fishing, reading about current events and watching movies and college sports.

“Trent called Mizzou ‘my college’ and a place he could live, learn and laugh,” Head said. “Trent is greatly missed by all who knew him and has left his mark with his love, loyalty and compassion for others.”

**Shannon Tatum, College of Arts & Science**

“If someone said, ‘Let’s go!’, Shannon would be right there at a moment’s notice,” Head said. “She truly enjoyed having fun and creating adventures.”

In May 2014, Tatum earned an associate degree in psychology from Northeast Mississippi Community College and was seeking a major in psychology at MU. While at NEMCC, she was an active participant in marching band, which she carried over from high school.

“During her time at MU, she enjoyed making new friends, attending classes and attending The Rock campus church in her spare time,” Head said.

Tatum enjoyed fishing along with spending time with her family and friends. She also loved reading, problem solving and shopping.

“Her life was inspiring,” Head said. “She lived life as if she was running, although she was confined to a wheelchair.”

**Cameron Perkins, Trulaske College of Business**

Although he lived the majority of his life in St. Louis, Perkins also considered Kansas City his home and was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Perkins was due to graduate in May and had already accepted a job with KPMG in Kansas City beginning in the fall.

He was pursuing a master’s degree in accounting, and he was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

**Christopher Nicklow, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources***

[Nicklow](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/10/22/friends-nicklow-recount-his-life-during-candleligh/) spent the majority of his time outdoors.

He participated in many extracurricular activities, including playing hockey, lacrosse, basketball and snowboarding, Head said. Nicklow also loved fishing in Canada and his home state of Minnesota.

A sophomore pursuing a degree from CAFNR, Nicklow was also a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity on campus.

In addition to loving to spend time with his family, friends and caring for his dog, Nicklow “enjoyed indulging in Greek food and sushi,” Head read.

“Christopher will always be remembered as a kind, gentle young man who enjoyed many things in life,” Head read.

**Ty Rudder, College of Arts & Science**

As a photojournalism major, Rudder’s greatest hobby was photography.

“Ty was always full of energy, constantly ready for the next adventure,” Head said.

In his spare time, he loved attending concerts, listening to music and collecting first-edition books, Head said. Rudder truly appreciated working and was employed by many different places throughout his life.

“He loved life and enjoyed living on the edge,” Head said. “Ty was full of happiness and was known to always have a smile on his face.”

**Gabriel Small, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources**

Small spent a total of 15 years in the armed forces.

After graduation from Kirksville High School in Kirksville, Missouri, he joined the National Guard and eventually the Navy. After a short break from the service, Gabriel rejoined the Army, where he served in Iraq.

“Gabriel was dedicated to his country,” Head said.

Small was pursuing a degree in agricultural business. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, hunting and he was recently learning how to play the violin, Head said. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his niece and nephew.

“He always greeted you with a smile, handshake or hug,” Head said. “Gabriel lived life to the fullest and was looking forward to what the future had in store for him.”

**Ryan Candice, Trulaske College of Business**

Candice grew up in Ballwin, Missouri, and was currently majoring in international business. He was also a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Some of his hobbies included cheering on St. Louis sports teams, spending time at the lake and hanging out with his friends and family, Head said. He also enjoyed playing tennis.

An extremely hard worker, Candice enjoyed working for his father’s restaurant in St. Louis as well as Bleu Restaurant and Catering in Columbia, Head said.

“Ryan was an extremely outgoing and loving man, and he always wore a contagious smile and had a warm hug to give,” Head said.

**Abbey Felton, College of Arts & Science**

A biology major, Felton served as an intern for the MU DNA Lab and was an employee at The Mizzou Store.

In her spare time, Felton enjoyed hiking, longboarding, swimming and gardening, Head said. She also loved spending time with her Jack Russell terrier, Lucy.

Felton listened to a variety of music, including Incubus, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age and Jimmy Buffett, Head said. She also had a passion for the Kansas City Chiefs, which she shared with her family.

“Abbey was a spunky, headstrong spirit with a fierce loyal love for her friends and family,” Head said. “She is greatly missed by all who knew her.”

**Jack Lipp, Trulaske College of Business**

[Lipp](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/12/18/party-critical-condition-mu-student-recovers-two-s/) graduated from Libertyville High School in 2014, where he participated in varsity basketball and golf.

A local Libertyville, Illinois, newspaper described Jack as a star, both on and off the basketball court, as well as a “Jack of all trades” and senior standout willing to fill whatever role is needed to help Libertyville win basketball games, Head said. One of his family’s greatest joys was watching him play ball.

He wore a number 22 on the court, and plans are being made to retire his jersey.

“Throughout his life, Jack accomplished things that many people aspire to achieve,” Head said. “He lived a life worth living; a life that was full of joy and meaningful relationships.”