GSW community gathers to remember fallen student

AMERICUS — Hundreds of people from the Georgia Southwestern State University community whose lives had been touched by Jamal Floyd gathered in the Presidential Plaza to remember the GSW student who passed away last week.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community and family members filled GSW’s Front Lawn to share their favorite memories of Floyd, enjoy a few laughs in between the tears and hug their neighbors. Floyd, a senior art major from Americus, was fondly remembered for his campus involvement and dedication to student and Greek Life.

“It’s important to lean on each other and know we are not going through this alone,” GSW President Neal Weaver said in opening remarks. “What makes GSW so special is that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed; when one of us hurts, we all hurt. That’s what Jamal loved about this place — the family, culture and commitment we had toward each other.”

Weaver closed by presenting Floyd’s family with the gold Presidential Challenge coin that he would have received upon his graduation — a symbol of his relationship with and impact on the university.

GSW Student Government Association President Alex Espitia spoke on behalf of the student body and fondly remembered Floyd’s contributions to campus. Espitia read an excerpt from Floyd’s SGA application: “I want to help create an environment where all students can call GSW home. I want to fulfill my role as a representative in the College of Arts and Sciences, to be a voice for the art majors. I want to do my part by being involved on campus for a more engaging community.

“Jamal aspired to be an agent of change. It is our responsibility to honor him by uniting together as a student body and doing our best to be Hurricanes and remembering him in all that we do.”

Espitia said that a tree would be planted on campus in Floyd’s honor, which will be a longstanding symbol where all can go to remember him.

Several of Floyd’s closest friends shared their favorite memories of him and offered condolences to his family — all which brought tears and laughter.

Closing out the ceremony was Jeremy Wicker, the assistant director of Greek Life and Leadership and a community pastor, who gave three inspiring words to live by in the coming weeks as friends and family cope with tragedy and heartbreak: remember, reflect and replicate.

Everyone then lit their candles and paused for a moment of silence while remembering Floyd’s short but certainly impactful life. As the vigil closed, the sky above campus displayed vibrant colors and, as one of Floyd’s closest friends put it, “Jamal now has the biggest canvas to work with.”

GSW community members who wish to share messages of condolence or their favorite memories with Floyd’s family can drop them off at the SSC third-floor front desk in the Storm Dome. The Chi Phi fraternity is also accepting donations to help with funeral costs.

Special Photo: GSWSpecial Photo: GSW