Aaron’s sudden passing has taken a part of our hearts in ways that we as a community never saw coming. He was our friend, our neighbor, our brother, our classmate, and so much more. His home at Manhattan University, and I call it a home because when I think of home I think of love and that was what he embodied, brought on some of the happiest moments of his life. He starred in amazing plays, wrote amazing stories, cracked a million jokes, and always had a smile for everyone. He is missed, everyday. Though the spring semester may be over, our grief is only just beginning.

Aaron was not just a part of our community; he was the heart and soul of it. His positive spirit and infectious laughter filled our days with warmth and joy. His energy made him a magnet, drawing in friends and classmates who became his extended family. A family that misses him daily, and we will always miss him. The loss of the memorial we built for him at Aaron’s Place on the Manhattan University campus is deeply tragic and has left us without a space to remember and reflect on his life and legacy. 

The original memorial, a small yet significant tribute to Aaron, was accidentally removed by the university, possibly because it "didn't look like a memorial." The reason why, we unfortunately may never know. This heartbreaking oversight has prompted us to come together to build a new, permanent memorial within the campus garden he loved so much. It is crucial that this new tribute be a space where friends, family, and students can gather, remember, and feel the presence of Aaron's joyful spirit.

A memorial garden near “Aaron’s Place” would be a fitting location, allowing those who knew him to reflect and hold close the memories of the person who made a mark on our hearts and lives. Gardens symbolize life, growth, and healing, elements that Aaron represented to all who knew him. We envision this memorial not only as a remembrance but also as a symbol of community spirit and unity, something that Aaron so richly deserves and wanted out of his experience as a Jasper. 

By signing this petition, you support our request to honor Aaron’s memory with a dedicated, permanent space on campus that will ensure that his spirit and the joy he brought to our community continues to live on. Please help us create a corner of campus that reflects the love and happiness he brought into our lives.  

Thank you, so much for helping make this vision a reality.