Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSU campus mourns for grad student
By Al Ortiz
Posted: 11/9/07, 12:07 AM EST Section: News
"Do you know how long it took me to grow this?" Jaehnig recalled Liberi saying, as many people in attendance chuckled.
Because of Liberi, employees at Syracuse dining halls are now allowed to wear beard guards instead of shaving.
As the memorial continued, Alejandro Garcia, director of the School of Social Work, offered insight about his relationship with Liberi.
"He was a charmer, a rogue, an educator. I feel I learned more from him than he did from me. He wanted to be himself, and not meet the demands of others," Garcia said.
Though the speakers each had their own stories to share about Liberi, SU junior Joan Kump's words trumped them all.
"I came prepared," Kump said, as she held up a box of tissues.
Instead of addressing those in attendance, Kump addressed Liberi.
"Thank you for pretending to like my chicken soup," she said as she smiled and grabbed a tissue for her eyes. "You've always made me want to learn more and become a better person."
Kump wasn't the only friend of Liberi who expressed her feelings to the people in attendance. Krychelle Davis, an SU junior, was the next to speak about him and his impact on her life.
"Before I met him, I didn't know how to accept myself. He taught me how to look past the exterior of a person," Davis said.
As the ceremony ended, Rev. Sprinkler gave final thoughts.
"Go in love, and may you know a mighty peace in your life," Sprinkler said.
And as Rev. Sprinkler left the podium, "Wake Me Up, When September Ends" by Green Day played as people sat in reflection in the pews. Many wiped the tears from their eyes as others stood up to leave.
A reception followed at the LGBT Resource Center on Ostrom Avenue. However, it was at the memorial service that people had a chance to give final respects to Liberi.
"May you never forget that you are loved," Garcia said.
Because of Liberi, employees at Syracuse dining halls are now allowed to wear beard guards instead of shaving.
As the memorial continued, Alejandro Garcia, director of the School of Social Work, offered insight about his relationship with Liberi.
"He was a charmer, a rogue, an educator. I feel I learned more from him than he did from me. He wanted to be himself, and not meet the demands of others," Garcia said.
Though the speakers each had their own stories to share about Liberi, SU junior Joan Kump's words trumped them all.
"I came prepared," Kump said, as she held up a box of tissues.
Instead of addressing those in attendance, Kump addressed Liberi.
"Thank you for pretending to like my chicken soup," she said as she smiled and grabbed a tissue for her eyes. "You've always made me want to learn more and become a better person."
Kump wasn't the only friend of Liberi who expressed her feelings to the people in attendance. Krychelle Davis, an SU junior, was the next to speak about him and his impact on her life.
"Before I met him, I didn't know how to accept myself. He taught me how to look past the exterior of a person," Davis said.
As the ceremony ended, Rev. Sprinkler gave final thoughts.
"Go in love, and may you know a mighty peace in your life," Sprinkler said.
And as Rev. Sprinkler left the podium, "Wake Me Up, When September Ends" by Green Day played as people sat in reflection in the pews. Many wiped the tears from their eyes as others stood up to leave.
A reception followed at the LGBT Resource Center on Ostrom Avenue. However, it was at the memorial service that people had a chance to give final respects to Liberi.
"May you never forget that you are loved," Garcia said.
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