Led by President John L. Crain, Southeastern paused to remember 146 alumni, students and supporters that passed away the previous year.
Before the names of the honored dead were spoken aloud by Provost Dr. Tammy Bourg, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Marvin Yates, Vice President for Advancement Wendy Jones, Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano, President of the Alumni Association Dick Covington and Alumni Director Kathy Pittman, Crain spoke on their connection to the university.
“Like any family, we hurt when we lose members,” said Crain.
Following the Memorial Roll Call was the lighting of the candles, which was unsuccessful due to the windy conditions. However, Crain lit the main candle of the ceremony with assistance from several student leaders, including Kayla Turner, the current Student Government Association (SGA) Chief Justice. Turner stood in for SGA President Branden Summers at the ceremony.
“This was my first time at the ceremony, actually,” said Turner. “It was wonderful to see all of these students and alumni gather for this one cause; it was very heartwarming.”
Turner was at the ceremony not only as a participant, but also as a student remembering a friend.
“A friend of mine, Jarrod Dumes, just passed away this semester,” said Turner. “It was very saddening to hear his name and him not be here, but he’s with us in spirit.”
The attendees of the solemn ceremony included faculty, staff and both former and current students. This year, many students from the Greek community were in attendance, which was not lost on Alumni Association President Covington.
“With the exception of the wind, the ceremony went very well, though I was impressed with the student presence,” said Covington. “I didn’t expect so many students. I thought that it was going to be mostly parents and siblings of the deceased. It was wonderful, but if only we could have gotten those candles lit.”
The ceremony lasted less than half an hour and concluded with the Southeastern Alma Mater performed by Julie Perise, assistant director of Alumni Relations, a performance of “Taps” by Jessica Long of the Music Department and the lowering of the flag by the Hammond High ROTC students.