Clemson students, faculty and staff gathered at the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel for Tiger’s Silent Roar on April 15.
The touching annual memorial service hosted by Clemson Undergraduate Student Government serves as a time to honor and remember students, faculty and staff who have passed away during the academic year.
The evening began at 7 p.m. with opening remarks from CUSG cabinet member Dev Bryant, who spoke on the history and purpose behind Tiger’s Silent Roar, emphasizing its role in uniting the Clemson family during times of grief and reflection. The ceremony then transitioned into a performance of the alma mater by TakeNote, Clemson’s all-female a cappella choir.
To follow, Kimberly Poole, Ph.D., the associate vice president and dean of students, delivered a heartfelt speech that truly captured the tone of the evening.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially to those who walked the same halls, shared in our mission of learning, discovery and community,” she said. “But today, we come together to celebrate their lives and their contributions and the ways they touched each of us.”
One student attendee of the event, Anvita Pudipeddi, commented on her experience.
“It felt really sentimental and emotional and also empowering to see that our University really goes the extra mile to honor students who have left an impact on the school,” Pudipeddi said. “It felt comforting to know that Clemson truly cares about the students that attend.”
As the evening came to a close, attendees followed Sam Brandes, CUSG chief of staff, outside to the Johnson Family Memorial Garden for the candlelight portion of the service. One by one, the names of those lost were read aloud. As each name was read, a candle was lit and placed on the garden’s rocks — a symbolic act that gave weight and reverence to every life remembered.
Those honored included Trevor J. Innis, David Lawson, Kaitlyn Alexis McNally, Ethan Ackerman, Mažeika Patricio Sulliván, Lane Ham, Timothy Dantz, John V. Boyette Jr., Nancy Dawsey, Martin J. Levins, Dale Morris and Dwight Hartley.
After the final name was read, former student body president Kellan Fenegan gave words of thanks and reflection, closing the ceremony with gratitude for the community’s support and presence. The night ended with a powerful performance of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Tigeroar, Clemson’s all-male a cappella group.
In a world that often moves too fast, Tiger’s Silent Roar reminded us all to pause, reflect and honor those who’ve left their mark on our campus and in our lives.
