Participants gathered in front of the columns facing a lone podium Friday to participate in MU Remembers, a commemoration of MU community members who have died in the past year.
Beside the podium sat a wreath dedicated to the 18 people who have died at the university so far this year. Three musicians from the MU School of Music dressed in all black played violins to a slow tune, listened upon by a mourning crowd.
Parents, friends and family looked upon and listened to the speech given by Chancellor Alexander Cartwright, some wiping away tears with tissues provided.
“We will forever feel this loss throughout our community and on campus,” Cartwright said. “Just as our community embodies the spirit of Mizzou, our campus is enlivened by the unique impact each Tiger makes every day they are here.”
MSA President Julia Wopata, Alek Willsey Graduate Professional Council President, Faculty Affairs Chair Ben Trachtenberg and Staff Council member Liz Beal read the names of those honored. Off in the distance, a faint bell rang following each name.
The university lowered flags to half-staff until 5 p.m. on Friday, and the alma mater was played at the Reynolds Alumni Center. The Jesse Hall and Memorial Student Union lights were dimmed that night in honor. Ellis Library will dedicate a book with an engraved nameplate to each person who died, Cartwright said.
Cartwright ended his speech by removing the wreath from the stand and placing it upon the plaque overlooking the columns.
“With this wreath laying, we commemorate their immense contributions to us and this great university,” Cartwright said.
The students remembered were David Auxier, Hailey Hochanadel, Jacob Kendall and Boston Perry.
Staff members James Baden (International Programs), Kory Davis (College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources), Rickey Goins (MU Health Care), Jordan Hoyt (Student Affairs), Herbert Hunt (Intercollegiate Athletics), Mykesha Jackson (Learning Center), Sadé Kirby (Intercollegiate Athletics), Kenneth Long (Campus Facilities), Heather Morris (Intercollegiate Athletics), Jacob “Matthew” Partridge (MU Health Care) and Gavin Williams (Human Resource Services) were all remembered.
Faculty Erin Reynolds (College of Education) and Troy Zars (College of Arts & Science) were remembered.
The School of Music String Quartet sang and played the alma mater as the crowd listened in absolute silence to end the ceremony.
_Edited by Emily Wolf | ewolf@themaneater.com_
