The last day of the spring semester brings a variety of emotions - anxiety about finals, excitement for graduation or anticipation for summer travels - but for some members of the UT community, the day will be focused on grieving and reflecting.
UT Remembers, a ceremony developed in 1998 by the UT Cares Committee, takes place today to honor and commemorate individuals from the University who died in the past year.
"So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them," states the last verse of the traditional "We Remember Them Prayer" read every year at the afternoon ceremony.
"There was a need to pay attention to the connection with the community on campus," said Susan Clagett, associate vice president for the Office of Relationship Management and University Events. "We wanted a way to honor them, to celebrate them and to acknowledge their marks of a lifetime."
The lowering of the flags ceremony takes place at 9:30 a.m. on the Main Mall and will begin the day-long observance.
Throughout the day, a hospitality suite in the Texas Union Santa Rita Room is open to all families and friends of those participating in the activities. Attendees have a chance to sit down, relax and have a cup of coffee there if they like, Clagett said.
Immediately following the lowering of the flags, an informational session on grief will take place and is open to the public.
"The grief session was added about five years ago," Clagett said. "It gives someone a chance to hear about the stages of grief and to know that what they're experiencing is normal."
The final UT Remembers service takes place at the Tower Garden at 2 p.m., and a reception will follow. At this time, the Tower bell will toll after each name of the deceased is read.
At nightfall, the Tower will be darkened as a symbol of remembrance and will remain that way until sunrise Saturday, symbolizing a new day.
More than 300 families, friends and other persons affiliated with the University campus and the individuals honored are expected to participate in today's ceremonies.
The UT campus is expected to experience traffic congestion today, but complimentary parking is available in the San Antonio parking garage at 25th and San Antonio Streets. For more information, visit http://www.utexas.edu/events/utremembers/index.html.
