Image courtesy of CBC Edmonton
Early last week, the university lost Evan Tran, one of its students and an active member of its community. Evan, a third year ALES student who was extremely involved in the U of A community, passed away on Monday, October 12, after taking his own life.
As Evan’s family told the CBC, he “ loved playing video games, taking pictures and snowboarding. He ran his own Facebook page for photography and held a summer job organizing camp programs for children. He planned to run his own business someday, like his parents.”
Evan volunteered with a number of U of A services and student groups, including U of A Compliments, who aim to make the U of A a safe, inclusive, and caring environment by carrying out simple and kind gestures on campus. Evan was able to do just that, as he touched the lives of many members of our community.
Students and staff will be gathering together to remember Evan in a memorial service in Dinwoodie Lounge (SUB) this evening (October 21, 2015). The event is set to begin at 6:00pm, and green and yellow ribbons will be available at the venue for those who would like to show their support for Evan’s family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes on Sunday, October 25 at 11 a.m.
The Gateway has published an account of Evan’s life, bringing to light both his proud achievements and his serious struggles. Evan’s passing was a surprise to many on campus who knew him, but was unfortunately something that his family had feared for some time. Members of the U of A community who are working through the process of this loss are encouraged to connect with one of the campus supports, including Counselling and Clinical Services, the Community Social Work Team, the Peer Support Centre, and/or their advisors in Residence, Aboriginal Student Services, International Student Services, or the Interfaith Chaplains Association. Individuals who are struggling, with this loss or any other part of their life, are also encouraged to reach out for help.
The community is invited to share their memories of Evan in the comments below.