Every year, ETSU holds a memorial to honor community members who have passed away. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Carillon bell tower, seven bell chimes were heard around campus at 10:11 a.m. in tribute to the seven in the ETSU community who passed between July 2024 and June 2025. Friends and family gathered to find community in grief and celebration of the lives lost.
“For those who have lost somebody, you never forget that person,” said Claire Shoun, university events manager. “It’s really beautiful that the ETSU community can come together and say, ‘We haven’t forgotten either. We remember these people, and they did make an impact here.’”
President Brian Noland, SGA President Shelby Koerten and Assistant to the President Nathan Dogger all gave compassionate remarks for the deceased and their families.
The ceremony honored the three students, two faculty and two staff members who passed: Allison Chapman, Halie Ann Rex, Krysta Garrett, Daryl Erwin Haley, William “Bill” Heise, Roger Lowe and Melinda “Lynn” Pierce.
Halie Ann Rex and Krysta Garrett were dedicated students who were actively involved on campus and advocated for their peers and others. Allison Chapman was a devoted wife, daughter and student as well as a cherished member of Fellowship Christian Church.
Halie Ann Rex’s parents, inspired by their dedicated and passionate daughter, established a scholarship fund in her honor, which has awarded more than $40,000 to students in need.
Daryl Erwin Haley and William “Bill” Heise were beloved faculty members, known for their dedication and service in ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business and Technology.
Roger Lowe, a member of ETSU Maintenance of Grounds, was a veteran and devoted man of faith. Melinda “Lynn” Pierce, a custodial service worker, was a loving mother, grandmother and wife.
Ceremonies like ETSU Remembers provide families and friends with peace and comfort, knowing that their loved ones, even though no longer with us, are still valued and loved.
