Services of Remembrance

A Service of Remembrance is time set aside to remember and honor the life of a Student, Faculty & Staff, or Alumni who has died. It is a formal gathering for friends and family.

Students

Anyone who knew the student or who has been affected by the loss may attend this service: friends, acquaintances, classmates, sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, teammates, departmental colleagues, administrators, etc. Family may also attend.

Most often the Chapel in Anabel Taylor Hall is used because of its intimacy. Sometimes Sage Chapel is used if the number who might attend is more than 100. Services often last an hour or less.

The format of a Service of Remembrance can vary depending upon the needs and desires of the organizers. A typical Service might include:

• Brief remembrances—some prepared, some spontaneous
• Musical selections—either instrumental, vocal, and/or congregational
• Readings from religious texts or poetry
• Brief words by an official of the University, most often the Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi
• Opening and closing remarks by the leader of the Service

When appropriate, some religious elements might be included in the service — i.e., candles, prayers, litanies, hymns, etc.

Anyone with a public-speaking skill who is comfortable in front of a group may lead the service. Oliver Goodrich, Associate Dean of Students for Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) and Director of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW), is often available to preside over the Service of Remembrance. For those who would prefer, CURW-affiliated chaplains may also be available to preside.

The content of the program for the Service is determined by friends or by the University department of the student who died. Staff from CES, the OSMM, and CURW are available to advise and consult on program content.

Faculty or Staff

Anyone who knew the faculty or staff member or who has been affected by the loss may attend this service: friends, acquaintances, departmental colleagues, administrators, etc. Family may also attend.

Most often the Chapel in Anabel Taylor Hall is used because of its intimacy. Sometimes Sage Chapel is used if the number who might attend is more than 100. Services often last an hour or less.

The format of a Service of Remembrance can vary depending upon the needs and desires of the organizers. A typical Service might include:

• Brief remembrances—some prepared, some spontaneous
• Musical selections—either instrumental, vocal, and/or congregational
• Readings from religious texts or poetry
• Brief words by an official of the University, most often the College Dean or Department Chair
• Opening and closing remarks by the leader of the Service

When appropriate, some religious elements might be included in the service — i.e., candles, prayers, litanies, hymns, etc.

Anyone with a public-speaking skill who is comfortable in front of a group may lead the service. For those who would prefer, CURW-affiliated chaplains may also be available to preside.

The content of the program for the Service is determined by friends, family, or by the University department of the faculty or staff member who died. Staff from CES, the OSMM, and CURW are available to advise and consult on program content.

Alumni

Anyone who knew the alumni or who has been affected by the loss may attend this service: friends, acquaintances, departmental colleagues, administrators, etc. Family may also attend.

Most often the Chapel in Anabel Taylor Hall is used because of its intimacy. Sometimes Sage Chapel is used if the number who might attend is more than 100. Services often last an hour or less.

The format of a Service of Remembrance can vary depending upon the needs and desires of the organizers. A typical Service might include:

• Brief remembrances—some prepared, some spontaneous
• Musical selections—either instrumental, vocal, and/or congregational
• Readings from religious texts or poetry
• Brief words by an official of the University
• Opening and closing remarks by the leader of the Service

When appropriate, some religious elements might be included in the service — i.e., candles, prayers, litanies, hymns, etc.

Anyone with a public-speaking skill who is comfortable in front of a group may lead the service. For those who would prefer, CURW affiliated chaplains may also be available to preside.

The content of the program for the Service is determined by friends, family, or by the university department of the faculty or staff member who died. Staff from CES, the OSMM, and CURW are available to advise and consult on program content.

Other considerations

Below are some changes that we have instituted, in partnership with the Dean of Students Office, regarding Services of Remembrance for students, faculty, staff, and alumni:

Dean of Students will host an annual Service of Remembrance to honor all students and employees who have passed in the last year. The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making and the Cornell United Religious Works will not directly provide support to any other Services of Remembrance. Faculty, staff, alumni, or affiliates are welcome to book Sage or Anabel Taylor Hall Chapels for such services if they desire. Conference & Event Services can provide planning or event support, including AV support. 

The Service of Remembrance organizers should consider the following and their potential fees:

• Orders of Service or Programs
• Musicians
• Outside officiants
• Reception venues
• Catering

Conference & Event Services and the Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making will offer assistance as needed with various logistics, including making room reservations, suggesting musicians and/or officiants, and/or consulting on Service content.

Sage Chapel and Anabel Taylor Chapel do not allow for cremains or caskets in the space.