coe-staff: coe_ug_all: Information for Erik’s Vigil and more – Friday, 5:00–9:00 PM

Wed Jan 28 12:58:34 PST 2026

The following information is shared on behalf of the Special Education Program and the ASUO:

An update to the message below. Please note the start time for the vigil from Patterson and 22nd has been changed to 5:00pm (gathering begins at 4:00—see attached flyer).

In addition to the walk and memorial, we have learned that Erick’s family has requested a separate Celebration of Life for Erick. The Celebration of Life will be held at the Willamette Christian Center, 2500 W 18th Ave, Eugene on Sunday February 1st, 2026 at 1:00pm.

From: coe_ug_all-bounces at lists.uoregon.edu <coe_ug_all-bounces at lists.uoregon.edu> On Behalf Of Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:21 AM
To: coe-staff <coe-staff at lists.uoregon.edu>; coe_ug_all at lists.uoregon.edu; coe_gr at lists.uoregon.edu
Subject: Re: coe_ug_all: Information for Erik’s Vigil and more – Friday, 6:00–9:00 PM, Gerlinger Lounge

Dear COE Community,

Thank you to those of you who have asked to remain informed about any memorial services or events that may be occurring in memory of Erick Njue. The GTFF and ASUO have shared details outlining the thoughtful planning that is underway. A summary here and the complete messaging below:

Walk and Vigil:

  *   A walk, vigil, and memorial event is being arranged by the GTFF and ASUO to occur this Friday January 30th 2026. The vigil venue has been confirmed as Gerlinger Lounge, from 6:00–9:00 PM. The program will begin with an LED candle walk from the site of the accident to Gerlinger Lounge, where the main vigil will take place. (Updated: Gathering starts at 4:00pm, Procession starts at 5:00pm)

Your contributions:

  *   More information will be forthcoming about ways to participate and share in the programming (including any interest in sharing reflections, poems, photos, or video tributes).

Volunteers:

  *   The GTFF and ASUO will be looking for volunteers to assist with the event. Watch for more information in student channels. The COE will attempt to share any information we learn as the details develop.

GoFundMe:

  *   A GoFundMe link has been created to support bringing Erick home to his family in Kenya: https://gofund.me/e0e8ad6ba<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gofund.me/e0e8ad6ba__;!!C5qS4YX3!EiIOArsx0O5sDF8TQukhbauKOId5VIbexJ-xx2wINdiulzyTXACzK8FtH9-DXeNhNBi5BrhVE5aSrHOI60fSyfE$>

Best,

________________________________
From: Daniel Gyekye <dgyekye at uoregon.edu<mailto:dgyekye at uoregon.edu>>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:54 AM
To: president <president at gtff.net<mailto:president at gtff.net>>; member.communications at gtff.net<mailto:member.communications at gtff.net> <member.communications at gtff.net<mailto:member.communications at gtff.net>>; ASUO President <asuopres at uoregon.edu<mailto:asuopres at uoregon.edu>>; ASUO Executive Chief of Staff <asuocos at uoregon.edu<mailto:asuocos at uoregon.edu>>; ASUO Director of Advocacy <asuoadvocacy01 at uoregon.edu<mailto:asuoadvocacy01 at uoregon.edu>>; Jaden Rai <jrai at uoregon.edu<mailto:jrai at uoregon.edu>>; Isabella Souza <isouza at uoregon.edu<mailto:isouza at uoregon.edu>>
Cc: Mokaya Bosire <mokaya at uoregon.edu<mailto:mokaya at uoregon.edu>>; Omusula Omuholo <omusula at uoregon.edu<mailto:omusula at uoregon.edu>>; Rhodalyn Tetteh <gtetteh at uoregon.edu<mailto:gtetteh at uoregon.edu>>; Wycliffe Misigo <wycliffe at uoregon.edu<mailto:wycliffe at uoregon.edu>>; Becky Crabtree <becky at uoregon.edu<mailto:becky at uoregon.edu>>; Rhonda Nese <rnese at uoregon.edu<mailto:rnese at uoregon.edu>>
Subject: Unified Updates and Coordination for Erik’s Vigil – Friday, 6:00–9:00 PM, Gerlinger Lounge

Dear all,

Thank you for your continued contributions and support. To ensure we remain aligned and communicate with one clear and unified voice, I am copying everyone on this email to share key updates and outline the support being provided by GTFF and ASUO for the vigil scheduled for Friday from 6:00–9:00 PM at Gerlinger Lounge.

While Professor Mokaya, Prof. Rhonda, Wycliffe, Omusula, friends, family within and outside our community, and ISSS are working on other aspects related to the situation and the event, we would like to outline the ways in which ASUO and GTFF are also supporting the vigil. We are deeply grateful to both GTFF and ASUO for their financial and logistical support throughout this process.

Our intention is to keep everyone on the same page and to avoid multiple or conflicting messages. Professor Mokaya or Omusula will continue to brief us on any additional matters as they arise.

1. Eulogy, Reflections, and Performances

We would greatly appreciate GTFF’s support in coordinating the eulogy and newsletter content for Erik. This may be facilitated by creating a Google Form or Google Sheet where community members can submit written reflections.

In addition, we kindly ask GTFF to create a separate sign-up link for individuals who wish to participate by performing a poem, reading a letter, or sharing a brief memory or reflection about Erik.

If possible, we would appreciate GTFF sharing the following links with us once they are created:

Newsletter

Eulogy and poem submission link

Citation or reflection collection link

Tribute video submission link

Once received, we will share these links with the relevant departments and the broader UO and African community. We also kindly ask that the contributor or performing names and submitted poems be printed and made available at the vigil.

2. Media, Journalism, and Tribute Video Submissions

For all media and journalism inquiries, Professor Mokaya (mokaya at uoregon.edu<mailto:mokaya at uoregon.edu>)  will serve as the sole authorized point of contact. His email is attached, and journalists may reach out to him directly. (mokaya at uoregon.edu<mailto:mokaya at uoregon.edu>)

Additionally, we would appreciate it if GTFF or ASUO Communications could create a submission link for tribute videos from individuals. These links will be shared widely across the UO community and the African community for submissions.

3. GoFundMe Initiative

Here is the GoFundMe link to support bringing Erik home to his family in Kenya: https://gofund.me/e0e8ad6ba<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/gofund.me/e0e8ad6ba__;!!C5qS4YX3!EiIOArsx0O5sDF8TQukhbauKOId5VIbexJ-xx2wINdiulzyTXACzK8FtH9-DXeNhNBi5BrhVE5aSrHOI60fSyfE$>
The link will be shared with GTFF and ASUO communications teams for wider distribution on their platforms.

4. Official Flyer and Communications

ASUO Communications is currently working on the official flyer for Erik, which we expect to receive later this afternoon. Once reviewed, it will be forwarded to all of you for sharing.
In the meantime, ASUO or GTFF may feel free to share appropriate photos of Erik on your platforms as we await the official flyer for the Vigil.

5. Venue and March Details

The vigil venue has been confirmed as Gerlinger Lounge, from 6:00–9:00 PM. The program will begin with a walk from the site of the accident to Gerlinger Lounge, where the main vigil will take place. We all use the LED candle from Spencer View to Gerlinger.

6. Campus Safety Support

Professor Mokaya will be coordinating with the UO Police Department regarding safety and logistics for both the walk and the vigil. Updates will be shared as they become available.

7. Volunteers Needed

We are still in need of additional volunteers for Friday. GTFF’s and ASUO’s assistance in recruiting and coordinating volunteers would be greatly appreciated. (To assist at Spencer View Coordinating to Gerlinger )

If possible, we kindly ask GTFF and ASUO to identify a point person or a small coordination team to assist with communication and on-the-ground support during the vigil. This will greatly help ensure smooth coordination among volunteers, speakers, and organizers.

Lastly, Omusula and Rhoddalyn will be visiting the market to purchase additional items needed for the vigil.

Thank you again for your solidarity, care, and continued collaboration during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated moving forward. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

Warm regards,
Daniel

[Daniel Appiah Gyekye   PhD Student, Communication and Media Studies  Executive Secretary of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-ASUO  Secretary, African Students Association – University of Oregon   President, Ghanaian Student Association – University of Oregon   dgyekye at uoregon.edu | 7205196183]<https://sges.uoregon.edu/>

Daniel Appiah Gyekye (He/Him)

PhD Student, Communication and Media Studies

Executive Secretary of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-ASUO

Secretary, African Students Association – University of Oregon

President, Ghanaian Student Association – University of Oregon

dgyekye at uoregon.edu<mailto:dgyekye at uoregon.edu> | 7205196183

Teams: dgyekye at uoregon.edu<mailto:dgyekye at uoregon.edu>

EMU Suite 004, 1395 University St, Eugene, OR 97403

Associated Students of University of Oregon | UO Student Government.

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New Publication alert: Confronting LGBTQ Issues in Strategic Communication: President Akufo-Addo’s Response to the LGBTQ Bill in Ghana.

Link : https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-85336-4_5<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-85336-4_5__;!!C5qS4YX3!EiIOArsx0O5sDF8TQukhbauKOId5VIbexJ-xx2wINdiulzyTXACzK8FtH9-DXeNhNBi5BrhVE5aSrHOIvOuSvy8$>

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