Nearly 100 people gathered in the International Garden on Thursday night to celebrate the life Matthew (Mateo) Morris, a 20 year old Armstrong student who died in his Compass Point dorm room on Monday.

Friends, family and even those who only briefly knew Morris sat around the amphitheater while some spoke of their fondest memories of him. A number of students embraced each other as people shared memories, thoughts, videos and words of nurture for those impacted by his passing.

The memorial began with a prayer presented by Ansley Vickers, a friend of Morris, who described him as “a ray of sunshine.”

“He didn’t know it at the time, but I was going through a lot in my personal life,” she said. “Mateo made me feel seen and chosen.”

This was just the beginning of several people recalling how Morris strived to make people feel included and loved on the Armstrong campus and beyond. Many remembered him as someone who said hi to everyone, or waved to people while walking or riding his bike around campus.

Jade Seng shared that she often found it “hard to describe” Morris, telling people “you just have to meet him.” But often when she would introduce people to him, they already knew each other.

Aneya Miller rushed down the amphitheater steps to speak about Morris while saying, “hot potato, hot potato, everybody wants to talk about him because he was so great.”

“That’s how you know somebody was a great person, when everybody has something to say about them after they pass,” Miller said. “Let me tell you something about Mateo, he was somebody who would’ve done anything for anybody.”

She shared a story of a time Morris purchased food and gave money to a homeless woman outside of Publix.

“Mateo didn’t have a selfish bone in his body,” she said.

Jahfari Tassy said he never knew how much “a person could mean” to him.

“He was always there for me, and I was always there for him,” he said. “I just miss him a lot. I love him.”

He shared a couple stories about becoming friends with Morris and thanked everyone for attending the memorial.

A physical memorial with flowers, stuffed animals, candles and photos of Morris will be up in the International Garden for a few more days. Anyone is welcome to visit and bring any items to the memorial.

The Counseling Center is available 24/7 via telephone for students who need support. Same-day appointments can also be scheduled.