A new memorial installed on campus this summer outlines how Colorado State University celebrates the lives of CSU students who have died.

The plaque is set in a stone pillar between the flagpoles on the west side of the Lory Student Center Theatre. It is the culmination of a nearly two-year effort by former Associated Students of Colorado State University Senator Noah Burge and several partners.

Burge, a junior finance major who served in the ASCSU Senate in 2021-22, says the off-and-on tradition of memorializing the death of a student by flying the CSU flag at half-staff is finally etched in writing and institutionalized.

The plaque reads:

Aeternum Arietes
(Eternally Rams)

We honor students who pass away during their
time at Colorado State University with a CSU flag
flown at half-staff for three days here,
facing the Great Green.
The flag is then delivered to loved ones along
with a letter written by the Associated Students of
Colorado State University President,
on behalf of the student body.
This enduring tradition serves as a reminder of the
gift of life, the gravity of loss, and the
legacy of being a Ram.

Burge offered to spearhead the project when it was suggested by former ASCSU President Christian Dykson in fall 2021. He said a couple of flashier designs were considered initially, but ultimately the most modest, solemn and traditional design was chosen for the memorial, which was funded by ASCSU and the LSC.

‘Important tradition’

Burge, who served as ASCSU director of housing security in fall 2022, said that prior to his service on ASCSU, he had seen the CSU flag flying at half-staff for no apparent reason and wondered why.

“We finally have memorialized it so that students can understand why that flag is lowered to half-staff,” Burge said. “It’s an important tradition, especially at such a large university. We want to make sure the legacy of all our students who pass is carried on.”

He said other partners in the project included ASCSU adviser Jess Dyrdahl, LSC Executive Director Mike Ellis, LSC Arts Program Manager Doug Sink, Campus Landscape Architect David Hansen and Jessica Kramer, environmental graphic designer and landscape architect in Facilities Management.

Burge said he learned a lot by going through the process, which included approvals by CSU’s Physical Development Committee and Design Review Committee.

“It’s really been a rewarding experience,” he said. “It provided me with some project management experience, but more importantly, the memorial builds our connections to CSU.”