Dedication of the Student Memorial

Sabbath, November 9, 2002, the long-awaited student memorial was dedicated. The memorial, located in a prominent place in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery, remembers the Oakwood students who lost their lives while enrolled at the college. Student association leaders and college officials have long felt the need for such a memorial.

The memorial consists of a base slab, three engraves panels on which are printed the names of the deceased students, and two benches. Constructed of highly polished black stone, the memorial offers an impressive sight to persons entering the cemetery.
At the dedication, a procession of faculty, staff, and students walked silently to the memorial. Dr. Mervyn Warren offered the opening prayer, followed by special music from the Aeolians. Dr. Baker gave remarks, followed by Fred Warfield, current USM president; Marlon Reid, past USM president; Keslyn Brade; and Elder Blue. A litany was read, then a touching wreathing ceremony was held.
The memorial will be a positive addition to the campus and an indication of the respect the college family holds for their deceased students.