In its 130 years, UTA has never had a memorial service to honor the Mavericks who’ve died while working or earning their degree — until now.
A Fallen Maverick is an initiative recognizing these individuals, allowing the UTA community to show the loved ones of those who died that they support and care for them.
Its first ceremony is open to everyone from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in Texas Hall, marking the end of SpringFest.
“One of the primary goals of this initiative is to ensure that the people who love the Mavericks that we have lost know that we love them too,” said Jonikka Davis, Student Affairs associate director for marketing and communications.
When Mr. UTA Florencio Gobellan noticed the university was the only one in North Texas without a memorial service like this, he wanted to start the tradition at UTA. He brought the idea to Lowell Davis, Student Affairs vice president, who agreed it was time to bring this initiative to campus.
Pulling inspiration from universities nationwide, including the University of North Texas and the University of Florida, Gobellan said he did extensive research to ensure they were honoring the fallen Mavericks respectfully.
Lowell Davis, Student Affairs vice president, and Andrew Miller, Student Affairs senior associate vice president and dean of students, worked to make a list and reach out to Fallen Maverick families through personalized letters.
Student Activities coordinator Chrysta Porter said Counseling and Psychological Services has been supportive of this initiative, helping them on the back end by ensuring they’re handling the families with care.
“UTA has been in existence for 130 years, but some of the ways that we approach grief and loss have certainly changed in the last couple of decades,” Jonikka Davis said. “We are excited to partner and include support systems like CAPS to bring this event to the forefront.”
The ceremony will include a roll call of remembrance where names of the Fallen Mavericks are read aloud, a moment of silence with a bell toll for each name and a student showcase.
Gobellan said there are three things making this event unique to UTA. The Gateway Tower on the corner of UTA Boulevard and South Cooper Street will be turned off from 4 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, UTA’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps all-female color guard will have a presentation of colors and students will give various performances.
“It’s extremely important for people to know that this is a lot more than an event. This is an event that is gonna help us honor them and hopefully give these families some kind of closure,” he said.
Porter said UTA prides itself on being a community that cares for its students, and this is the perfect opportunity to show that.
“It’s a time where it’s change happening. It’s a time where it’s a transition for a lot of people, and knowing that we’re still there for you as a community to help and be there no matter what the circumstance is,” Porter said.
@amandaLaldridge
