Every year during Alumni Days, we hold a memorial service to remember those who died during the previous year. The list is often long and always rich with graduates and friends of the University who enriched the lives of those around them. This year we remembered individuals whose ages ranged from 19 to 104. Four were current students when they died. It is always a difficult and moving service.

At the same time that we mourned the loss of friends and family, we celebrated their lives. Farmers, pastors, business people, health care providers, artists, teachers, spouses, caretakers and others: They had diverse callings and used their gifts to enrich the lives of others. Some were nationally and internationally acclaimed, and some known and admired only by their family and friends, and for whom that was enough.

We were reminded that we stand on the shoulders — strong and broad — of those who have come before us. We know that one day, a new generation will stand on our shoulders and reap the benefits of our knowledge and talents and contributions. Each generation leaves its legacy for those who follow. May God bless those who passed away this year and those of us who remain to carry on.