Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Digg
Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
More than 75 students, faculty and staff gathered in the Bangor Room of Memorial Union on Thursday afternoon to celebrate the life of University of Maine student Jordyn Bakley. The 20-year-old from Camden was killed in an apparent hit-and-run three weeks ago.
Fifties doo-wop music played softly over the speaker system as attendees filed in to view pictures of Bakley, which decorated both ends of the room. Vases of fresh wildflowers — Bakley’s favorite, according to her friend Kristina Clements — sat atop white tablecloths around the room.
Though supported and encouraged by several departments, the idea was that of Clements and several other of friends of Bakley’s who wanted to have an event for her on campus for those who couldn’t be at her funeral.
Clements said she wanted to help people with closure. “I hope this brings at least a small amount of peace of mind to the people who are hurting.”
One of Bakley’s favorite places was the Orono Bogwalk in the Bangor City Forest, Clements said. The store-bought flowers were typical of what grows at the bogwalk during warmer seasons.
“We were supposed to walk it together one day, but we ran out of time,” Clements said. She quickly corrected herself; “No, we had time taken from us.”
Clements said many of Bakley’s friends have been banding together for support after the tragic loss.
“Some of us have never even hung out before, but we are sticking together,” she said.
Dean of Students Robert Dana opened the event, describing the impact Bakley had at UMaine during the three years she spent here.
“The best description of her is that she was a brilliant, shining light,” Dana said. “She was well-known and well-loved on this campus. Her loss has left a void that we aren’t going to be able to fill.”
Dana acknowledged the pain many students are feeling and encouraged them to find strength in one another and seek help in on-campus resources if needed.
“There is nothing more unnatural than the death of a young person,” Dana said. “We will be here for you. Just reach out your hand and someone will reach back.”
“The support team throughout the university has been tremendous,” said O.J. Logue, associate dean for the College of Education and Human Development. “The Counseling Center has been great. They really set the stage.” Bakley, an elementary education student, was a student in Logue’s college.
“Her friends have been great,” said Bakley’s former roommate Ruth Worboys, who was in attendance. “With people helping, it’s been getting easier.”
Renaissance, UMaine’s female a cappella group, performed at the event, singing two selections of their own choosing: an Irish blessing song and “Let It Be,” by The Beatles. Bakley was interested in women’s studies, and liked Renaissance because they are a strong female vocals group, Clements said.
“We chose ‘Let it Be’ because of the spirit of the song” said Renaissance President Cassandra Alley. “When bad things happen to good people, it’s hard to understand why. ‘Let it Be’ offers the comfort that there is an answer and there is meaning to be found in these difficult situations.”
During the brief performance, some students in the audience held hands and a few wiped away tears. But many also smiled as the event transitioned into a slideshow made by one of Bakley’s friends. Images of her playing in the snow, making faces, dancing, hugging trees and hiking in Acadia National Park flashed across the screen.
“She lived life to the fullest,” Clements said, addressing the audience near the end of the event. “I remember Jordyn with a smile on her face.”
Paper was provided for attendees to write down their memories of Bakley. The papers will be permanently bound by University Printing Services and given to Bakley’s boyfriend, according to Andrea Gifford, director of student and administrative support services.
In addition to her close friends, faculty members from the College of Education, staff members from the Counseling Center and representatives from Student Affairs, Student Government and the Student Women’s Association were in attendance to honor Bakley and show support for those grieving.
Clements said she also wants to honor Bakley, who loved photography, by having some of her pictures hung in the Advising Room of the College of Education and possibly even the Oakes Room in Fogler Library.
“She was always in the Oakes Room, doing homework,” Clements said, smiling. “That’s where I always saw her.”
Following the event, a light reception was held in the Totman Room, with refreshments provided by Dining Services. About a dozen students lingered, talking, hugging, crying and writing notes.
“It was handled well,” Worboys said of the event. “I liked the slideshow — it was hard not to smile. It’s good that everyone got to see what a happy person she was.”
“A lot of us would like an answer to what happened,” Clements said. “I don’t think anyone will be able to have full closure until we know. Right now, all we can do is wait.”
The investigation into the circumstances of Bakley’s death is ongoing.
Bangor Daily News