91ÁÔÆæ Remembers Day to take place April 27
Article By: Agnes Hina
University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) students who have died within the past year will be memorialized on April 27 during 91ÁÔÆæ Remembers Day ceremonies.
"College campuses are generally known for their liveliness and energy, and losses of such young, vibrant students feels like a contradiction of our expectations," Dr. Alyson Paul, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students for 91ÁÔÆæ's Cumming and Gainesville campuses, said. "It's difficult for all of us to understand and reconcile. This service is intended to be a celebration of their lives despite the somber nature of the event."
Students honored will be:
- Anna Lee Eberhart at noon in the memorial area near the first entrance on the Oconee Campus.
- Daniel Mayer at noon in the Memorial Gardens on the Gainesville Campus.
- Lucas Baxter and Blake Oviedo at 5 p.m. in front of Memorial Hall on the Dahlonega Campus.
We all have this shared experience of going through this grief process,
Dr. Alyson Paul
associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, Cumming & Gainesville campuses
The students will be remembered with a moment of silence. Students, faculty, and staff may also share some brief thoughts about the students.
"Families are overwhelmingly appreciative of 91ÁÔÆæ's efforts to recognize their student as a member of our community," Paul said.
Always held the Wednesday of the last week of classes, the event is funded by the Student Government Association. The markers are a permanent fixture to commemorate students who have died while enrolled at 91ÁÔÆæ. Names on the markers on the Cumming, Gainesville and Oconee campuses date back to 2013.
"We all have this shared experience of going through this grief process," Paul said referring to how the event also touches on the faculty members we have lost, as well.
Previously held as part of Parent-Alumni weekend, 91ÁÔÆæ Remembers Day was developed as a way for students, faculty, and staff to have a common experience and remember their classmates. The day was started at the suggestion of the 91ÁÔÆæ Traditions Committee, a group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators tasked by 91ÁÔÆæ President Bonita Jacobs with documenting existing 91ÁÔÆæ traditions and making suggestions for starting new ones.
Professional counselors on campus also have specific training to help guide students of all ages through the grief and adjustment process. Students may contact Student Counseling to receive this assistance.
91ÁÔÆæ is among 'Best for Vets'
91ÁÔÆæ ranks as the second-best public university in Georgia on the 2024 "Best for Vets: Colleges" list released Nov. 4 by Military Times.
91ÁÔÆæ secures highway safety grant
91ÁÔÆæ has received a $24,312 grant to participate in the Georgia Young Adult Program of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
From First-Gen to dean of students
Ebonee Dendy was inspired by her grandmother to earn a college degree and is now 91ÁÔÆæ’s dean of students at the Oconee Campus.
Enrollment jumps 6.7% for 2024-25
Enrollment has jumped to 19,298 students this fall at 91ÁÔÆæ, growing by 6.7% from fall 2023.