In Memoriam

In Memoriam

A Moment of Reflection

The Bowie State University campus community will join with the University of Maryland College Park community for a Moment of Reflection to honor the life of Second Lt. Richard Collins III, whose life was tragically cut short in an act of senseless violence in May 2017. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 12:05 p.m.* BSU Torch (gathering starts at 11:45 a.m.) Or observe a one-minute moment of silence in your campus location.*Campus siren will sound at 12:04 p.m. to signal the start of the moment of silence.

Moment of Reflection graphic President Aminta Breaux invites the BSU community to join her at the torch to reflect on the precious life lost. Read President Breaux’s message to the campus community. For members of the campus community who cannot gather at the torch, here are examples of ways that the various areas of the campus will observe the moment of silence:

  • Classes beginning at 12:00 p.m. should start at 12:15 p.m. instead, as authorized by the Provost.
  • All food service will pause in all campus dining locations.
  • All student and intramural activities will pause in all campus locations.

Counselors will be available at the Counseling Services Center on the third floor of the Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Honoring 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III

The Bowie State University community honors 2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins III, a senior who was fatally stabbed Saturday, May 20, 2017, just days before his graduation. He was a bright light on the campus community and will be missed dearly.

Candlelight Vigil

On Monday, May 22, hundreds of people gathered at a candlelight vigil on the campus to remember 2nd Lt. Collins. Cadets from Bowie State’s Army ROTC Bulldog Battalion hosted the vigil, in partnership with other student leaders, to provide a forum to share memories of 2nd Lt. Collins and to reflect on his lasting impact on the university community. Click the pictures below for a larger version.

Vigil for Richard Collins the ThirdVigil for Richard Collins the ThirdVigil for Richard Collins the Third 

 2017 Spring Commencement

At the 2017 Spring Commencement on Tuesday, May 23, Bowie State University honored 2nd Lt. Collins by posthumously conferring his degree, a Bachelor of Science in business administration, and presenting it to his family. An empty seat, draped with his graduation gown, sat in the arena to honor him throughout the commencement ceremony.

empty chair at the bowie state commencement ceremony in honor of richard collins

Memorial Donations

Since the untimely passing of 2nd Lt. Collins, the Bowie State University community has received well-wishes from family, friends and concerned citizens across the country. Many have expressed a desire to provide monetary donations in his memory. The university will be receiving donations and will work with the Collins family to determine an appropriate use of the funds that will honor Richard’s legacy.

Click here to donate in honor of Second Lieutenant Collins