̨Íåswag

University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) students who have died within the past year will be memorialized on April 27 during ̨Íåswag Remembers Day ceremonies.

"College campuses are generally known for their liveliness and energy, and losses of such young, vibrant students feels like a contradiction of our expectations," Dr. Alyson Paul, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students for ̨Íåswag's Cumming and Gainesville campuses, said. "It's difficult for all of us to understand and reconcile. This service is intended to be a celebration of their lives despite the somber nature of the event."  

Students honored will be:

• Anna Lee Eberhart at noon in the memorial area near the first entrance on the Oconee Campus.
• Daniel Mayer at noon in the Memorial Gardens on the Gainesville Campus.
• Lucas Baxter and Blake Oviedo at 5 p.m. in front of Memorial Hall on the Dahlonega Campus.

We all have this shared experience of going through this grief process,

Dr. Alyson Paul

associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, Cumming & Gainesville campuses

Always held the Wednesday of the last week of classes, the event is funded by the Student Government Association. The markers are a permanent fixture to commemorate students who have died while enrolled at ̨Íåswag. Names on the markers on the Cumming, Gainesville and Oconee campuses date back to 2013.

"We all have this shared experience of going through this grief process," Paul said referring to how the event also touches on the faculty members we have lost, as well.

Previously held as part of Parent-Alumni weekend, ̨Íåswag Remembers Day was developed as a way for students, faculty, and staff to have a common experience and remember their classmates. The day was started at the suggestion of the ̨Íåswag Traditions Committee, a group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators tasked by ̨Íåswag President Bonita Jacobs with documenting existing ̨Íåswag traditions and making suggestions for starting new ones.

Professional counselors on campus also have specific training to help guide students of all ages through the grief and adjustment process. Students may contact Student Counseling to receive this assistance.