The University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Student Affairs hosted its annual “Remembering Our Blazers: A Memorial Gathering” on April 6, 2026, bringing together members of the campus community to honor students, faculty and staff who passed away over the past year.

Held at the Hill Student Center Ballrooms, the ceremony recognized 24 Blazers lost between March 15, 2025, and March 14, 2026. This annual event provides a space for reflection, remembrance and support, reinforcing the strength and unity of the UAB community.

“It is important for us to host this memorial gathering because the students, faculty and staff that we have lost were a part of the Blazer Family,” said John R. Jones, III, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs.

The program included speakers, musical and spoken word tributes, and a formal reading of names to honor those who were part of the Blazer family. The reading of names served as a central moment of the ceremony, recognizing the lasting impact each individual had on the university.

Open to students, faculty and staff, the gathering emphasized connection and collective remembrance. A video livestream was also made available through the UAB Student Affairs YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

Through this annual tradition, UAB continues to honor the lives and legacies of its community members while offering a space for healing and reflection.

Explore the Memorial Gathering photo album and download images here

The entire recording of the 2026 Memorial Gathering is available to view online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ixjkFJ-N88