MU Remembers honors students
Published April 17, 2007
The university held its fifth annual MU Remembers, a memorial service for students who have died in the last year, Friday in Stotler Lounge at Memorial Union.
Since April of last year, three students have died: arts and science student Tyler Downey, nursing student Marianne Osorio and education student Kyle Zammar.
Missouri Students Association President Rachel Anderson spoke on behalf of the undergraduates, Downey and Zammar.
Anderson said the service is one of the hardest things she will have to do as MSA president, but she recognizes why it has to be done.
"It is important to show to the parents that we will remember them," Anderson said.
Downey was described as religious and was involved with The Rock, a Christian group on campus.
Zammar spent his last three summers teaching special education students and coaching children's basketball.
Zammar's mother, Susie, said her son was looking forward to his future career after receiving a degree in special education.
"He really looked forward to a career of teaching and coaching at Lee's Summit," Susie Zammar said.
Graduate Professional Council President Mark Beard spoke for Osorio at the service.
Osorio was described as fun-loving and helpful. She had a passion for running, Latin dancing and swimming.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs presided over the memorial service.
"This is an important event because we have to remember students who have passed," Scroggs said. "It is good for the campus and families."
Chancellor Brady Deaton spoke during the memorial service and emphasized the importance of appreciating people.
"We must value every person who crosses our paths," Deaton said.
Susie Zammar said she was pleased with the memorial service.
"I hadn't expected such a beautiful service," she said. "It was very touching and a perfect tribute."
Special Education professor Melissa Stormont spoke highly of Zammar as a student.
"He was a leader, very well-liked by his peers and very dedicated to special education," Stormont said.
In addition to the memorial service, the university honors the students in several other ways.
The bell at Switzler Hall was tolled in remembrance of the students at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and their names were engraved on the MU Student Memorial Plaque outside Stotler Lounge. Flags on campus were flown at half staff, the Memorial Union tower was darkened Friday night and the deceased students each had a book dedicated to their memory in the MU libraries.
Director of Libraries James Cogswell said dedicating books in the library to the students is a tradition he hopes the libraries will continue to do in the future.
"This is the second year the libraries have dedicated a book in our collection to the students," Cogswell said. "We try to tie in their major to the subject of the book."
The memorial plaque outside Stotler Lounge represents the university's continued mission to represent the deceased students with the description engraved at the top of the plaque.
"This memorial preserves their memory and acknowledges the importance of their unique contributions to their fellow scholars and the entire university," the plaque states.