On Thursday, March 27, the Southeastern community came together to honor Keishell Young with a candlelit remembrance ceremony, who passed on Sunday, March 23, due to health complications. Young’s family was present at the ceremony, as well as SLU President Dr. William Wainwright and his wife, First Lady Misty Wainwright.

Attendees were given lights to use during the moment of silence and were asked to leave them on for the remainder of the ceremony. 

SGA President Kyle Hidalgo led the ceremony, which began with sending his condolences to Young’s family and thanking those in attendance.

“It warms my heart to see everyone here tonight,” Hidalgo said.

Wainwright said, “To Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and all of Keishell’s family with us, on behalf of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community, we extend our deepest condolences. Keishell was not only a bright light but a beautiful soul.”  

He commended Young for being a representation of Southeastern’s mission and core values.

Wainwright thanked Dr. Christy Montgomery, assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students, her office and the Student Government Association for planning the ceremony.

“When Keishell entered Southeastern, she did so with the intention of fulfilling her goals, dreams and her hopes,” Wainwright said. “As a health sciences major, she desired to enter the most noble profession in service and care to others. However, Keishell was called home, where as a believer in Christ, she will continue her spiritual journey.”

To the students, he urged them to listen and share this message: “In honor and remembrance of Keishell, finish strong, achieve your college degree, make a difference in your community, make a meaningful impact on our society and use your education to be a force of peace and progress.”

He closed by sharing a prayer of peace. 

Young’s resident assistant, Lucky Ameh, shared, “She was one of my favorite residents and I’m going to always miss running into her in the hallway, always hearing her sweet voice.”

Ameh was overcome with emotion and Montgomery walked up the stage to comfort him.

Ameh continued, “Grief is a deep sign of love. I pray to God that he gives us the strength for everyone to be strong for Kei.”

Montgomery spoke on behalf of Young’s family. She shared, “They first would like to thank the entire SLU community for all of the support that they have received this past week.”

She continued that Young’s family would like to use the moment to spread education and awareness. 

“In February 2024, Keishell was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She was 20 years old when she received this diagnosis and was navigating this new health journey over the past year,” Montgomery said. “As we now know, Keishell passed due to the complications related to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).”

Montgomery explained that DKA develops when the body does not produce enough insulin to allow blood sugar into the cells to be used for energy. Instead, it uses fat for fuel, which produces a dangerous amount of ketones. 

DKA can be very similar to flu symptoms: Headache, muscle stiffness/aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fast deep breathing, etc. 

Montgomery encouraged students to use campus resources, such as the University Health Center, to take care of themselves. 

Montgomery closed, “We are honored to have her and you as a part of our Lion Family.”

Assistant director of the University Counseling Center, Courtney Williams, reminded attendees that resources were available. 

Hidalgo said, “It’s so important that we support one another. Find the people in your life that you love and cherish every moment you get to spend with them.”

He closed by sharing a poem, saying, “A life well lived is a precious gift of hope, of strength, and of grace.”

Young’s family has invited the SLU community to the funeral services on Saturday, March 29. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Hahnville. Attendees are asked to wear shades of pink in honor of Young.

Students can contact the University Counseling Center at 985-549-3894 or visit the office outside the Student Union Breezeway. Students can also contact the center’s ViaLink crisis hotline at 833-603-0008 to speak with a trained specialist.