Eulogy/Dedication Remarks

We had a bench dedication ceremony for a student who had passed away. Below are the opening and closing remarks that I wrote for our Dean to present at the ceremony.

Opening Remarks:

Good afternoon. We have all joined together today because of the impact of one individual. An individual who in some way touched the life of every single person in this room. [Redacted] was a bright and dedicated young woman, a Dean’s list student, a sorority member, a future nurse, a classmate, a daughter, a sister, and of course, a friend.

The friendships [redacted] forged were built on compassion and joy. We are honored to be here today as her friends and classmates help us dedicate a memorial bench in her honor. This symbol will continue to remind nursing students for generations of the spirit, warmth, and love she brought to campus.

[Redacted] was a wonderful person, and we know that she would have been a wonderful nurse. As we remember her today, I encourage you all to graciously serve your future patients with the care and tenderness that she would have brought to the profession.

I would like to invite Dr. Robin Johns, her first nursing professor, to share a few words.

Closing Remarks:

Thank you ladies, that was beautiful. I’d like to leave you with a few words from The Nightingale Tribute, a ceremony that honors and recognizes an individual’s commitment to nursing.  This ceremony includes a poem by Emily Dickinson that I believe captures the essence of [redacted's] time with us.

If I can stop one heart from breaking

I shall not live in vain

If I can ease one life the aching

Or cool one pain

Or help one fainting robin

Onto his nest again

I shall not live in vain.

Thank you all so much for being here. I invite you all to join us for light refreshments in the lobby as we continue to remember [redacted].