Memorial observances honoring the deceased individual, typically involving public displays of respect and remembrance.
The MIT community has been deeply affected by the tragic death of Officer Sean Collier, a beloved member of the campus police force. His loss was felt across the campus, leading to an outpouring of emotions, tributes, and memorials at the site where he was killed.
Following Collier's death, a formal memorial area was organised by the administration, featuring a stone engraved with his badge number and name. The MIT community has also formed a committee to create a more permanent memorial for him. This tragic event has left a profound impact, as it took place at a central part of the campus, the Stata Center, and was recognised as a personal loss for many in the MIT community.
Officer Collier's legacy has been incorporated into educational contexts at MIT, such as in leadership classes, highlighting the emotional journey involved in organisational change and community resilience following tragedy. His heroism, especially in refusing to give up his gun during the Boston Marathon bombing event despite being shot, continues to be remembered with respect and admiration.
On Wednesday morning, around 5,000 MIT students, faculty, and staff gathered at Briggs Field to pay their respects to Officer Collier. Among them was Christian Reed, a member of Army ROTC, who attended the ceremony in uniform to honour Collier and law enforcement officials. Aparna Sud was also present, bringing flowers to lay at the memorial to Collier at the Stata Center.
Claude Muhinda, an employee in MIT's Division of Student Life, observed a new sense of solidarity on campus following Collier's death. Patricia Crosby, a financial assistant in MIT's Department of Financial Accounting and Reporting, who has worked at MIT for 24 years, described the event as surreal, being up close and personal. Crosby stated that the event would be a day she would always remember.
Slocum, a professor of mechanical engineering, wore a Hawaiian shirt in honour of Collier, symbolising American patriotism. His son Jonathan, a junior, was near the site where Collier was shot last Thursday evening. Slocum's son has developed a new appreciation for campus police, especially their connections with students. Senior Hana Khalil expressed shock and a newfound appreciation for campus police after Collier's death.
The events of the past week have reaffirmed Reed's commitment to the Army and serving a greater purpose. Crosby's intention was to lift up the family and pay her respects. The response shows both personal mourning from individuals and a formal institutional commitment to honoring Officer Collier's sacrifice and memory within the MIT community.
- The MIT faculty has been discussing ways to additional incorporate Officer Collier's legacy in education-and-self-development programs.
- The news of Officer Collier's heroism during the Boston Marathon bombing has been circulating as general-news, invoking admiration and respect among students and staff.
- After the tragic incident, sports events on campus have taken a backseat, with many students and faculty preferring to focus on education and self-development.
- In the engineering department, analysis reports are being prepared to study the impact of such events on campus morale and community cohesion.
