Brian and Tina Overton share a hug near the end of the ceremony. Their daughter, Kendall, was an engineering major.
An empty chair is reserved near the front of Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union for family members who have lost a loved one in the past year.
Nathan Willett, Missouri Students Association President, speaks to a full crowd at Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union.
Ryan Marquardt, a senior in the School of Music, plays the guitar during a musical prelude.
Robbie Hatchett, left, shares a smile with her friend, Raven Smith, who both attended the event in honor of Dariana Byone, a student in the College of Human Environmental Sciences.
Rachel Bauer, Graduate Professional Council President, pauses when speaking about the loss of graduate students.
Eric Glennon listens to a heart-warming description of his friend Peyton White, an art major from Columbia, Missouri.
Brian Overton, father of Kendall Overton, wipes away a tear before the ceremony begins.
Cathy Scroggs, vice chancellor for student affairs, Garnett Stokes, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, Nathan Willett, Missouri Students Association President, and Rachel Bauer, Graduate Professional Council President, cross arms while singing the alma mater, "Old Missouri."
Amy Johnson wipes away a tear while talking to the family of her friend Emily Bamberger, who had just completed her first two years of medical school in Mizzou's MD/PhD program before passing away.
Raven Smith takes a picture with her cell phone of Dariana Byone's name, engraved on a plaque inside of Memorial Union, along with other students who have passed away.
Hannah, Roger, and Andrea Romaker share stories about Tyler Romaker after the ceremony came to an end. Tyler was a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, a member of Delta Chi fraternity, a senior member of Marching Mizzou, and involved in Mizzou Army ROTC.
In Memoriam:
- Emily Bamberger, School of Medicine.
Emily had just completed her first two years of medical school in the MD/PhD program at Mizzou. Those who had the joy of knowing Emily remember her fun grins, remarkable memory, and inquisitive conversations. In her short time in medicine, she had many notable accomplishments. At Mizzou she volunteered at the MedZou clinic for the uninsured, where she received high praise, including this note from one of her patients: “I think you will be an awesome doctor. Keep up the good work.” - Dariana Byone, Human & Environmental Sciences
Dariana was an undergraduate from from Lewisville, Texas, enrolled in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. She was an avid dancer who had a particular love for jazz and hip-hop. When she wasn’t dancing or studying, Dariana enjoyed played basketball, volleyball and track. Dariana had a close relationship with her family, and among her friends and she will be remembered for her nurturing nature. - Monica Hand, Arts & Science
Monica was a PhD student in the College of Arts & Sciences who passionately studied poetry. Monica was also an assistant professor of English at Stephens College and a graduate assistant at MU. In 2012, her first book of poetry, me and Nina, was published. She could always be found attending art events in the community and hosting poetry readings.Her spirit will live on through her poetry. - Caden Hastie, Business
Caden was a freshman business major from Wentzville, Missouri. He enjoyed many sports, being outdoors and taking care of his adopted cats, Lucy, Ariel and Sienna. He especially loved skateboarding, riding motorcycles and trail riding. His energy will be felt through the sounds of skateboard wheels on the pavement, engines revs, loud punk rock music, and the quiet peace of the outdoors. - Kyle Hirsch, Business
Kyle was a senior business major from St. Charles, Missouri. At MU, Kyle was active in his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, and loved spending time with his brothers. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues and loved to cheer them on in person. He was very close with his parents, his brother and his golden retriever, Jasper, and will be missed. - Kendall Overton, Engineering
Kendall was an engineer major from Hallsville, Missouri. In the College of Engineering she was pursuing her dream of becoming a video game designer. Music and art were Kendall’s true loves. She constantly had earbuds in or her stereo playing at home. Her family and friends are grateful and proud of the 20 years they were blessed with. - Tyler Romaker, Arts & Science
Tyler was an undergraduate in the College of Arts & Science from Warrenton, Missouri. During his time at MU, he was a member of Marching Mizzou, Delta Chi fraternity and Mizzou Army ROTC. Tyler was also active in intramural sports, including baseball, flag football and dodgeball. Tyler is fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. - Kelly White, CAFNR
Kelly was a junior at from Ballwin, Missouri, studying hospitality management. During her time at MU, she was involved with Mizzou Special Events Society and the Mizzou Association of Venue Managers. When she wasn’t in class or attending meetings, she could always be found with her friends. Kelly will always be remembered for her long hugs, contagious smiles and sense of humor. - R. Peyton White, Arts & Science
Peyton was an art major from Columbia, Missouri, who had a passion for spending time with friends, building his computer, traveling and playing music. He played several instruments, including the clarinet, acoustic guitar and electric bass guitar. Peyton’s great sense of humor was well known, and some of his witty one-liners are legendary. His beautiful smile and laugh were contagious and delighted everyone he met.
