On Monday, October 28th, a special DÃa de los Muertos ofrenda—a traditional altar for remembrance—was arranged in the courtyard of Beam Hall to honor the lives and legacies of three beloved members of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community: Naoko Takemaru, Patricia Navarro, and Jerry Chang. The ofrenda, beautifully decorated with photos, flowers, and meaningful items, provided a space for colleagues, students, and friends to reflect on the enduring contributions of these individuals and to celebrate their lives with reverence.
DÃa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican tradition with deep cultural roots across Latin America, symbolizing the belief that the bonds of love and friendship are eternal. Rather than a time of sorrow, DÃa de los Muertos is a celebration of life and memory, allowing loved ones to be honored and remembered through vibrant displays, offerings, and heartfelt storytelling. By placing symbolic items on the ofrenda, the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and acknowledges the impact they made on those around them.
Naoko Takemaru, a dedicated professor in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, was among the individuals remembered in this display. Her department, led by Chair Alicia Rico, created this tribute to commemorate Naoko’s profound influence on both her colleagues and students. From the Lee Business School, Chairs Jason Smith and Andrew Hardin from the Departments of Accounting and MET invited their faculty to join in the celebration to honor Patricia Navarro and Jerry Chang, creating a shared space to recognize the bonds these three individuals fostered throughout the university.
The collaborative memorial embodied the warmth and unity of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community. Through the ofrenda, colleagues and friends were able to share in a celebration of life, remembrance, and connection. The legacies of those we have lost will always remain part of our shared 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ story.