UPDATED:
A campus remembrance and funeral services have been set for Ofelia Chavoya, a recent RSU graduate who died last week during a car wreck near Pryor. RSU students, faculty and staff are invited to gather on Monday, June 4, at 4 p.m. in the Baird Hall Performance Studio (room 131) for a time of reflection and remembrance. Counselors will be available during this time to help individuals work through feelings of grief. Those in attendance may also use the time to write messages of condolence to Ofelia’s family.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 5, at the Herchel Avra Performing Arts Center at Pryor High School, 1100 SE 9th St. Attendees to the service have been asked to wear bright, spring colors, as she would have hated to see everyone in dark, sad colors.
Consistent with Ofy’s focus on making a difference in the lives of others, family and friends request consideration of donations in her name to her favorite organizations, which include The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Women Lead Oklahoma, and Tulsa Global Alliance.
For more information on services or to share a memory, visit the Stephens Memorial Chapel website.
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We regret to inform the campus community that recent RSU graduate Ofelia Chavoya of Pryor was killed during a car wreck on Thursday morning west of Pryor.
Chavoya was first in her family to graduate from college, earning her bachelor’s degree in public administration earlier this month. A past president of the RSU Student Government Association, Chavoya was extremely active on campus and in the community as a member of the President’s Leadership Class. She was selected as a Brad Henry International Scholar to spend the fall 2017 semester studying abroad at Swansea University in Wales.
“Ofelia was a remarkable young woman and student leader who embodied everything this university represents,” said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. “She was first in her family to graduate from college and took advantage of every opportunity available to get the most from her time at RSU. She was selfless and focused her considerable energy on helping those who were less fortunate. It was an honor for my wife Peggy and I to get to know her during her time as a student, and we are devastated by this terrible loss. Our hearts go out to her family and friends.”
RSU Professor Dr. Jim Ford, who oversees the President’s Leadership Class, said, “Ofelia was bright, charming, and just so enthusiastic that you wanted to be a part of whatever she did. She represents everything that RSU and the PLC stand for. She was a true leader and a great friend.”
Information about services will be shared when it becomes available.
Any students who feel they may need grief counseling are encouraged to call Nikki Phillip, RSU coordinator of counseling services, at 918-343-7845.