By LAUREN HALLIGAN
News Editor
The Saint Rose community lost one of its members last month. A student, Nicholas Ramos, died on Nov. 17 in his off-campus apartment.
A junior biology major from Brooklyn, Ramos passed away suddenly of natural causes. No further information was released from the College regarding the cause of his death.
In a message from Interim College President Margaret Kirwin, she said “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, faculty and staff who are all shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic event. When we lose one of our own, we all grieve.”
On Nov. 20 a series of events were planned in remembrance of Ramos. Everyone was invited to attend any or all services.
First, the Office of Intercultural Leadership opened Avila Hall to honor Ramos through personal messages on a photo wall. In this ceremony Ramos’ family spoke to the Saint Rose community. Student Erika Romero said “It was very important because they got to see how we saw him, and we got to see how they saw him.”
Later that evening, a service of remembering was held at the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary to honor all who have died. Although the ceremony was for all those experiencing losses, Ramos was at the forefront of people’s minds.
Lastly, Ramos’ close friend Marisa Zable went the extra mile in making sure that everybody had a chance to participate by planning a late night balloon releasing ceremony. The student-run event started in the main lounge where students, faculty, staff, friends, and families could write messages on index cards. Grievers wrote messages to Ramos or his family, or poems or lyrics on the cards, which were tied to balloon strings and released on the campus quad at 10 p.m.
Zable said the goal of the event was not only for students that were close to Ramos, but for others that may have seen him around campus or had brief interactions.
“I just want people to be able to say anything they didn’t get to say,” she said before the event. The releasing of the balloons was a way to let go of sadness and become at peace, Zable said.
A signup sheet for bus transportation to Romero’s official funeral services on Nov. 23 in New York City was also available at this event.
Lounge to write notes, and then release them on balloons outside. (Photo Credit: Kelly Pfeister)
Professor Ann Neilson of the physical education department had Ramos as a student in her mountain fitness class last semester. She said his sense of humor was admirable. “I loved his enthusiasm for life.” Neilson said that Ramos loved life and had a wonderful camaraderie with his friends.
Though many tears were shed that evening, the night’s events were an effort to remember and honor Ramos. After watching the campus come together for these ceremonies, director of spiritual life Father Chris DeGiovine said “Death is a common experience for us all, and we all need to face the death of loved ones and support one another in our grieving.” In this instance, and others over the years, he noted that “One of the best things about Saint Rose is that we are a community that does that.”
The College’s Counseling Center and Office of Spiritual Life staff are available to meet with anyone in need as the community copes with this loss.
Though tragedy took Ramos from his college life in Albany, “He will always be a member of our Saint Rose family,” Kirwin said.
Thank you for writing this story. Support from Saint Rose community is much appreciated! Sincerely, Jacci Banegas (Nick’s Aunt)
Thank you!!! The continued support from the Collge of Saint Rose is greatly appreciated! We will forever be grateful to have been invited to all the events coordinated by friends and the warm welcome during such a hard time by Father Chris. – Angela Banegas (Nick’s aunt)
This touched my soul………..Nicky, you were such an amazing young man………We loved being around you………This article is yet another testament to your beautiful & impactful life. I think of you everyday. We love you, Titi Jocey, Joe & Jayde <3 <3 <3