Memorial services today on UNG campuses in Oconee, Lumpkin counties

A memorial service is set for noon today on the Oconee County campus of the University of North Georgia, remembering UNG students Matthew Campbell and Conor Rayiha, both of whom died over the past year. A separate service takes place at five o’clock this afternoon on the North Georgia campus in Dahlonega, honoring the late student Ryan Joiner.

From Denise Ray, UNG…

On April 26, the University of North Georgia will memorialize students who died during the 2022-23 academic year.

Campuses participate in UNG Remembers Day, a tradition that began in 2017.

“UNG Remembers is a time to come together at the end of the spring semester to celebrate the lives and memories of those friends, family members and colleagues who have passed away during the academic year,” Dr. Michelle Brown, dean of students for UNG’s Oconee Campus, said. “A meaningful tradition, the memorial provides a forum to honor UNG community members who are no longer with us and find comfort and healing.”

This year two students enrolled at the Oconee Campus will be remembered. Conor James Rahiya, 21, transferred from Clemson University. A 2020 graduate of Marist School in Atlanta, Rahiya was enrolled in the associate pathway in business administration. He was a lacrosse player and loved outdoor sports, including hiking and fishing. Matthew Ryan Campbell, 19, was a sophomore enrolled at the Oconee Campus who excelled as a student in the bachelor’s business pathway and was registered to attend the University of Georgia this spring semester. A high school graduate of Pickens County High School, he was a golfer and worked at Roll Off Systems while enrolled.

Ryan Bennett Joiner, 29, who passed away in June 2022, was registered as a Dahlonega student and had earned an associate degree in computer science in 2020. He was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity before his passing. Joiner was known for his enormous heart and was passionate about helping others.

Their names will be added to memorial markers on their home campus.

UNG Remembers Day services will begin at noon on the Oconee Campus (at the memorial near the entrance to the campus), and 5 p.m. at the memorial near Memorial Hall at the Dahlonega Campus.

Family members and friends are invited to the event where faculty and staff may share thoughts about the students who have died.

“UNG Remembers Day provides an opportunity for the campus community to come together as a family to support the family and friends of the students and the faculty and staff colleagues who have died to keep their spirits and memories alive and vibrant as members of the Nighthawk family,” Dr. John Delaney, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students for UNG’s Blue Ridge and Dahlonega campuses, said.

Many students may have recently experienced the loss of a loved one for the first time. Professional counselors on campus also have specific training to help guide students of all ages through the grief and adjustment process. Students may contact Student Counseling to receive this assistance.

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