A Time for Closure

A memorial service Nov. 7 remembering the nine Utah State University men who lost their lives in a Sept. 26 van accident will feature a poem by the Utah Poet Laureate, remarks by university and religious leaders and music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The service begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited. Classes and offices that can temporarily suspend services will be closed from 12:30–3:30 p.m. All USU Continuing Education courses will be canceled from 1–3 p.m. allowing students to participate. The university’s continuing education sites will broadcast the memorial service live on satellite channel 110.

Overflow seating will be available in the Taggart Student Center Stevenson Ballroom and the Kent Concert Hall in the Chase Fine Arts Center. The service will also be streamed online from the university's home page.

USU President Stan Albrecht said the candle light vigil, held within days of the accident, served primarily as a comfort to students, friends and faculty who were grieving. On the other hand, Monday’s memorial service is focused on bringing comfort and solace to the families and friends of the victims. He said he hopes the service will be an occasion for the university community to join with the families, one last time, to pay tribute and to honor their loved ones.

The service will include remarks from Albrecht and Provost Noelle Cockett. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of Twelve, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will also speak. All of the victims of the accident were members of the LDS Church. Music is by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with prelude and postlude music by the Tabernacle Choir organist.

A poem specially written by Utah Poet Laureate Kenneth W. Brewer will be read by William Strong, professor emeritus. The Rev. Ruth Eller, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, will offer a prayer, and a special video tribute featuring music and lyrics by local composer Russell Dixon will be shown.

Later that day at 5:15 p.m. as the sun sets, the bells in Old Main tower will toll across campus nine times in memory of the eight students and one instructor. Marking the solemn occasion, no lights in the bell tower will shine throughout the night Monday.

Free parking will be available at the stadium with shuttle service to the Spectrum. More information about the service and profiles of those who died are posted on the university's Web site.