TAMIU Pauses to Remember at First “Celebration of Life” TONIGHT
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 13, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Steve Harmon,
Texas A&M International University will remember departed alums, comrades and students at the first “Celebration of Life” memorial observation Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.
TAMIU director of alumni relations Yelitza Howard said the occasion affords the University a chance to pause and reflect on those who have shared their lives with the University over the past 40-plus years.
“We’ve developed this event to become an annual observation where we can simply come together as a University community and community at large to remember those who are no longer with us, to celebrate their lives and to move forward together,” Howard noted.
As this is the first year of the event, the University is encouraging all those who have lost a member of their family affiliated with the University since 1970 as a student or graduate or faculty or staff member at the time of their death to be a part of the event.
“Part of this first observation will include images of those who have passed on, so we are currently collecting photos. Those can be submitted to our offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 261 or emailed to yelitza.howard@tamiu.edu. The deadline for receipt of names or materials is April 4,” she explained.
The Celebration of Life observance will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall with a visual presentation of those who have passed on. Provost Dr. Pablo Arenaz will welcome visitors and guest artist organist Madolyn Fallis of San Antonio will join the TAMIU Choir for special selections.
After an invocation, a series of special readings will be offered by TAMIU alumni and students and president Dr. Ray Keck will offer reflections. The Memorial Bells of First United Methodist Church will perform. A roll call of those being remembered will follow with bells tolling for each name called. Closing remarks will follow by vice president for Student Success Dr. Minita Ramírez and the TAMIU Choir will perform the Alma Mater.
A candle-lit procession led by the Border Patrol Honor Guard Bagpipers will follow to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Memorial Garden where a wreath will be placed. A concluding reception will be held for family and friends in the Student Center patio and the TAMIU Mariachi Band will perform “Las Golondrinas.”
The University plans to present the Celebration for Life every year to remember those who have passed on the previous year.
For additional information, please contact Howard at 326.GIVE (4483).
University office hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
