Remembering Evan Kearney

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This past Saturday, the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon established at CNU held a candlelight memorial on the Greek Lawn in loving memory of their beloved brother Evan Kearney who passed away in December. People were given candles to hold while listening to several speeches given by Evan’s brothers and friends. All the brothers were lined up in front of the mansion and once the heartfelt, emotional speeches were completed, they each brought a rose up to place on the main table that had Evan’s photo in addition to other important memorabilia. Though it was freezing outside, the amount of love, warmth, and support that exuded both from the SigEp brothers and the members of the community who came was undeniable. Many tears were shed but there were also many laughs and sad smiles when people talked about their favorite memories with Evan. It was a beautiful, genuine memorial that celebrated and honored Evan’s life in the most perfect way. It didn’t even matter if you didn’t know Evan because from the way his brothers spoke about him, you knew he was a magnetic, spirited, and just incredible individual who made an indeniable difference in all the lives he touched. Listening to the funny and loving stories told about Evan made it feel like you knew him all along. Evan may be physically gone, but his soul and memory never will be. One brother ended his speech with an Ernest Hemingway quote that feels too important not to share. “Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name.” So please keep talking about Evan and sharing the positive impact he had on the world. Don’t let him be forgotten and above all else, please know that you are loved and never alone.