Oregon State University’s annual In Memoriam event that honors the passing of individuals during the last year will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 6, in the Memorial Union Lounge.

The event, which will be livestreamed, includes poetry, live music and activities for reflection and healing. Musical guests include a student guitarist and the OSU Vocal Ensemble. A student in the MFA Poetry program will recite a piece, and OSU leaders will take part. Those honored include deceased students, staff, faculty, alumni and others associated with the university..

The first In Memoriam ceremony in 2021 was created by former Oregon State University employee Robynn Pease and Jon Dorbolo, then faculty senate president. They were joined by Tess Webster-Henry with Counseling and Psychological Services, and Aubrie Piper, associate dean of Student Care Services, who together crafted the ceremony based on similar events at other universities.

“Each of us was affected by the passing of colleagues and students and it just didn’t make sense not to note that and honor those we lost,” Webster-Henry said.

Staff works with a variety of OSU departments to gather names for the event, and send out an annual survey to gather names.

“We hope that as the event matures over time that everyone will be aware of it and help make sure it honors all that were connected to OSU that passed,” Webster-Henry said.

In addition to the ceremony, organizers are also creating an online memorial wall as well, to allow multiple ways to celebrate and mourn those who have passed.

“It provides a tangible way for our community to recognize that everyone here matters,” Webster-Henry said, “that their passing was recognized and that they are missed.”

For more information on OSU In Memoriam, see https://studentaffairs.oregonstate.edu/osu-memoriam.

~ Theresa Hogue

April 09, 2024