UNT held the Twelfth Annual Flight Memorial Ceremony on April 11 in the Onstead Promenade to remember students, faculty, staff and alumni who passed away in the last year.

“Today is an important day of remembrance for us and is solemn but carries great joy,” said UNT President Neal Smatresk. “By coming together as a community, we can honor the lives and impact of our fallen Eagles. Focus not on the sadness of their passing but on the joy of their lives.”

Dr. Pamela Flint, associate director of Counseling and Testing Services, shared her memories of her colleague and friend Rodney Mitchell, associate dean of students, who passed away in February. Mitchell was responsible for organizing the annual Flight Memorial for the past three years, and his UNT pride and joy in helping others will never be forgotten.

The names of the students, faculty and staff who have passed were read, followed by the ringing of the bell. In honor of the fallen Eagles, the UNT flags were flown at half-staff.

UNT also honors its fallen Eagles through the Sustaining Arch Memorial, which is located in the Onstead Promenade and serves as a lasting tribute to the students who are no longer with us. Three flag poles on the south side of the promenade display the American, Texas and UNT flags. The Dean of Students calls for the UNT flag to lowered for seven days when a currently enrolled student passes away. The flag is then presented to the student’s family.

In addition, a memorial has been placed within the Shrader Pavilion, just west of the University Union. The names of the Eagles who are no longer with us are displayed for reflection and prayer.

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Contact: Ray Willhoft, 940-565-2464, raymond.willhoft@unt.edu