“Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. For as long as there is a memory, they’ll live in our hearts.”

This short poem by an unknown author was read to a small, somber audience as they reflected on the members of the Maverick community who are no longer with us.

CMU’s annual Remembrance Day was held in the University Center ballroom last Thursday as a way to pay respect to the students, faculty and staff that passed away this past year. ASG hosted the event that became a tradition on campus almost a decade ago to show the impact that those students and faculty members had on the school and the community.

“It’s more than a memorial service,” ASG Director of Internal Affairs Chelsea Chiovitti said. “It’s a chance for us to show that no matter how much time passes, we still honor our fallen Mavs and make sure that they will never be forgotten.”

Students, community members, and friends and family of the deceased came to the ceremony to hear from ASG Director of Finance Bonnie Masters and CMU President Tim Foster.

Masters, who read the aforementioned poem during her address, shared how grateful the university is for the impact those students and faculty made during their time in Grand Junction. This gave family members a chance to share with the audience the experience of paying respects to their loved ones.

President Foster offered his condolences to everyone who was affected by the passing of  loved ones and described how difficult it is to lose a member of the unique community that makes up a college campus.

After the kind words from Masters and Foster, the memoriam was moved to the terrace atop the University Center for a balloon releasing, and members of the service were given the opportunity to speak with one another and reminisce about the experiences they had with their loved ones.

“It was a huge honor for me to represent our fallen CMU students,” Masters said. “I wanted this event to be more of a celebration of their lives rather than dwelling on their passing. We are proud of what they contributed to our university.”

mfreter@mavs.coloradomesa.edu