The April 18 memorial event included the reading of names, music and spoken word to remember the 27 Blazers who passed away from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

On Tuesday, April 18, the University of Alabama at Birmingham honored the lives of active students, faculty, and staff who passed away during the past year (from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023) during its annual "Remembering Our Blazers: A Memorial Gathering." The event took place at noon in the Hill Student Center Ballrooms. 

Student Affairs Assistant Vice President and Director of Division Operations Patricia A.R. Martinez stated that the event served as a reminder of not only the memories of loved ones lost, but also of the resilience of the Blazer community.

"Today's event, although one we wish were not caused to have, is an important reminder of the strength of the UAB Blazer family, as we gather to uplift our thoughts and our memories. We have had many great contributors to the UAB community as a whole: alumni, donors, community members, former staff and students who have left their mark on UAB." 

Housing and Dining Executive Director Marc Booker read the names of 27 Blazers (four students and 23 faculty and staff members) out loud. 

“UAB students, faculty, and staff are family, and you all are, in a sense, our extended family and families share loss," said Pam Benoit, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “They celebrate lives together which is why we think it's so important to hold this gathering each year. Today we honor the memories of coworkers, colleagues, peers, and friends from all around the campus.”

As part of the ceremony, Seneca Wilson, director of University Recreation, recited an original poem titled "Once a Blazer, Always a Blazer." 

"Once a Blazer, always a Blazer, forgotten you will never be. Once a Blazer, always a Blazer every memory of you we will keep," Wilson read. "We remember your every step; we are saddened that you are gone. But once a Blazer, always a Blazer, we know you will blaze on."

In closing, Mary Wallace, assistant vice president for Student Experience in Student Affairs, stated, "It is important for us to host this memorial gathering because the students, faculty, and staff we lost were part of the Blazer family."

"May the memories of our beloved Blazers whom we loved in life and still love and death continue to enlighten our thoughts and actions."

To watch the entire ceremony, visit the UAB //www.youtube.com/@uabstudentaffairs6780">Student Affairs YouTube page.