Hundreds of people gathered on the front lawn of Washington Hall Sunday night to remember Terrence Ambro, who was found dead in his dorm room Sept. 16.Friends, faculty and Athens residents shared memories and had a moment of silence to remember Ambro, a New York native and freshman studying history at Ohio University.
“Terrence had an infectious laugh; he was always laughing and stopping in rooms to say hello,” said Jill Kata, a freshman whose major is undecided who helped organize the memorial with other Washington Hall residents. “He was such a smart kid, and in the three weeks we had together, I formed a really tight bond. He was like family.”At the memorial, students spoke about Ambro’s happy personality, kindness to others and eagerness to lend a hand.
“Terrence was always willing to help out and put a smile on your face,” said Jaimee Plantinga, a freshman whose major is undecided. “He always stopped in my room to just say hi.”
Those at the memorial wrote messages reading “Rest in Peace” and “Never Forgotten” on white paper bags lit up by glow sticks that will be sent to Ambro’s family in New York.
Ambro’s family was unable to attend the memorial but sent a text message that was read out loud during the memorial: “We are all heartbroken and in shock of his death. This is a mystery to our family and we encourage anyone feeling the way Terrence did to get help. Ohio University is a special place, and we are so happy to see the compassion for Terrence.”
During his time at OU, Kata said Ambro enjoyed working out at Ping Center, being with his friends and studying history. He was involved in soccer at his former high school, acted as the school mascot and had planned to join OU’s Greek life fall semester, said Diana Wahl, a freshman studying marketing.
A group of third-floor residents spoke about Ambro during the memorial, recalling that as he visited various students on the floor, he left behind everything from shoes, hats and even his backpack. They added his thick New York accent could put a smile on anyone’s face.
“It is lovely that students came together and spearheaded this memorial to make it a positive experience,” Interim Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones said.
The memorial helped Washington Hall residents and those attending remember Ambro’s time spent at OU.
“We are closer because of Terrence, he will live with us on our journey here,” said Michael Hamel, Washington Hall resident and friend of Ambro.
jp855711@ohiou.edu
