Mustang Daily Staff Report
news@mustangdaily.net
Students gathered and lit candles in the University Union Plaza to remember biological sciences sophomore Brandon Huang as dusk fell on Wednesday.
Huang, who died on Sunday from unknown causes, was remembered by speakers and students as a kind and gentle person, one who was always there for a friend.
“Cal Poly lost a strong member of its community this week,” Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Humphrey said at the vigil. “We will not be the same community without Brandon, but I know many of us will continue to uphold his values and memory.”
Speakers at the vigil included Associated Student Inc. (ASI) President Katie Morrow (who missed the first half of the biweekly Board of Director’s meeting to speak), Front Porch Ministries Director Joel Drenckpohl, College of Science and Mathematics Dean Phil Bailey and business administration sophomore Brian Henson.
Huang’s parents, Tony and Melissa, also spoke at the vigil. They described their son as a student who “loved Cal Poly so much,” and had many dreams.
“Brandon had many dreams, and now he may not be able to complete them,” Tony said. “But if you fulfill your own personal dreams, maybe you will be helping Brandon fulfill his a little bit. Thank you all so much for the support.”
Melissa remembered a phrase she would always use to end conversations or texts with Huang — “I love you. I love you always” — and closed her speech with a variation of it aimed at the students assembled.
“We all love you,” she said. “We love you always. Thank you for all the support and love you are showing in this time.”
For more pictures of the vigil, go to our Facebook Album here.
Kaytlyn Leslie contributed to this staff report.