March 25th, 2008
Texas State group honors fallen Texas State students, alumni

By Amanda Oskey

A memorial service will be held Tuesday to honor Texas State University students, alumni, faculty, and friends that have died in 2007.

This year marks the 20th annual Bobcat Pause put on by Texas State University’s Student Foundation.

During the ceremony, each name will be called, and the families will have the opportunity to place flowers or other memoirs at the front of the room.

A slide show will run to showcase the lives of the individuals being honored. There will be a book for guests to sign and leave memories of their loved ones.

Student Foundation President Matt Priest said this is a sad year for the university.

“Unfortunately, we have had a lot people close to Texas State pass away this year,” said Priest, “This is something we can do to remember their contributions to our university.”

The honorees include former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, long-time dean Dr. Martin Juel, and Joanne Mitte, founder of the Mitte Honor’s program.

Greek community leader David Leiga and Mitte Honor’s graduate Dan Reiter, among otheres, will be also be honored at the ceremony. Both died in separate car accidents last year.

“We are expecting a really good turnout this year,” said Priest, “Attendance is usually under 100, but this year should bring in more than 250.”

The event will be held in the LBJ Student Center in the 4th floor teaching theatre. A slide show will begin at 5:15 p.m. and the service starts at 6 p.m.

Flowers will be made available, courtesy of Student Foundation.

Student Foundation is in its 30th year as a student group at Texas State. The student group is designed to retain alumni and bring them back to the university.