Students and community gather in the UC Annex to honor Nicholas Mathus. PN Photo/My’Kayla Brady.
By Alyssa Hernandez, Campus News Editor
Community and students gathered to honor the memory of SGA senator Nicholas Mathus with a candlelight vigil and several speeches. Some of his family travel to be in attendance. One of his family members spoke along with some of the members of the SGA.
The vigil was held in the UC Annex on Aug. 29. Members of the SGA and SGA leadership held electronic candles during the ceremony.
“Nick was someone who made you feel heard, respected and appreciated,” said Aspen Anderson, Chief of Staff of the Student Government Association, SGA.
His family shared memories of how he loved history and was an endurance athlete. Back in his hometown in New Jersey he was known as the “History kid” because of his love of historical sites. Everyone who spoke mentioned how positive Mathus was and how he always shared his passions. Kyle Levine spoke for Mathus’ aunt who wrote a speech but could not attend the ceremony.
Vice President of the SGA, Yamilkal Hernández Sánchez, led the vigil and reminded those in attendance about the resources available to them and held a moment of silence for the loss of Mathus.
“Nick was an important member of our SGA and the community. It hurts knowing he won’t be in our meetings,” Hernández Sánchez said.
Those in attendance were also encouraged to share their memories of Mathus with the family after the ceremony.