The passion with which Luis Pagan '06 approached his various commitments - which ranged from community service to theater projects - was complemented by an uncanny gift for making those around him feel comfortable and welcome, according to a collection of friends and family members who gathered in memory of the Brown senior Sunday afternoon. The memorial service, at which President Ruth Simmons spoke, filled Sayles Hall nearly to capacity. Pagan passed away earlier this month while vacationing in Mexico.
After a brief candle-lighting cere-mony, Pagan's friends Almaz Dessie '07, Isel Garcia-Renart '06, Kira Neel '05, Alicia Pantoja '06 and Maythinee Washington '03 shared a variety of colorful memories of Pagan. Some prepared their own essays or poems and others read from relevant works of literature or sang a favorite song.
Chaplain of the University Reverend Janet Cooper Nelson spoke next, stressing the importance of giving thanks for Pagan's life despite overwhelming grief. "We know from our sorrow that we have thanks to give," Nelson said. After her comments, the RPM Singers of Rites and Reason Theatre, in which Pagan participated, sang the gospel song "Hush, Hush, Somebody's Callin' Mah Name," driving many in attendance to tears.
Simmons followed Nelson with a brief, subdued address directed to Pagan's family.
"I wonder if you know how honored we are that you supp-orted Luis's decision to study here at Brown University," she said.
Ann Dill, associate professor of sociology and Pagan's concentration advisor, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to guide Pagan, saying she was never sure who was the teacher in their relationship.
"He spoke from the authority of experience, humility and one who is a leader for others," she said.
Dill also focused on Pagan's ability to maintain a wide and eclectic circle of acquaintances.
"Luis was indeed a part of many communities," she said, adding that his "irresistible grin" was a foolproof instrument for making friends.
Pagan's friends created a vivid image of the senior as one who provided unconditional love and support. Makini Chisolm-Straker GS said she would normally turn to Pagan during troubling or stressful times.
"I cried myself to sleep again last night," she said, reading from a poem she wrote titled "january 12, 2006."
Elmo Terry-Morgan, associate professor of Africana studies and artistic director of Rites and Reason Theatre, remembered Pagan as a "classy guy" and a "charmer" who "knew he was a charmer."
Terry-Morgan recounted the social and financial difficulties Pagan faced as a child and stressed what an accomplishment it was for him to make it to and succeed at Brown.
To know Pagan, Terry-Morgan said, was to love him. "He walked into our lives, and he walked into our hearts. Let's appreciate that," Terry-Morgan said.
After Terry-Morgan spoke, the lights dimmed so that a photographic montage prepared by Rites and Reasons Theatre could run as a backdrop to more words from Pagan's friends. Though several of the photographs caused people to laugh, most of the attendants were tearful by the time the lights were raised once again.
The service concluded with a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" led by the RPM Singers. As they sang, those in attendance stood and people circled Sayles lighting candles that were passed out at the beginning of the service.
In her speech, Dill asked the congregation to "hold in our hearts the passion Luis had for social justice," adding that, "If we can, then Luis will still be walking among us." As the candles glimmered throughout Sayles, it seemed that Pagan's loved ones had found a way to keep him in their hearts.
A reception followed the service at Leung Gallery in Faunce House.
