TKE hosts service for member who passed away

Guethshina Altena/Assistant News Director

A member from the University’s Tau Kappa Epsilon chapter passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1, the same day that the University reinstated more than half of its Greek organizations.

A memorial service was held at the University for Kevin Tucker, the deceased student, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, where members of TKE along with their advisors and alumni were able to express their condolences to his family and honor his memory.

Photo retrieved from legacy.com

Oscar Ibars is a University alum and Chairman for TKE. He graduated with his MBA at FIU in 2016 and has been a brother of TKE since 2010. He’s been chairman for the past 4 years and has been part of the board for the last 8 years.

Tucker was TKE’s treasurer and worked with Ibars during his undergraduate years at FIU. Once Ibars heard of Tucker’s passing, he reached out to the University administration to organize the commemoration in his name.

Over 100 people attended the service.  The ceremony began with friends of Tucker going one after the other recounting stories about the late student and speaking words of encouragement to the family.

“I think people should approach life with the same rigour, the same focus and the same passion that Kevin expressed,” Ibars said to Student Media. “I think that people should learn from his optimism and to always keep in mind that there’s always an opportunity for everybody to just stop for 2 minutes and throw  a smile, some sunshine to another person’s life at the moment.”

Many people spoke about Tucker’s life, some of which included his girlfriend, some of his close friends and his fellow board members as Tucker was the treasurer of TKE.

“[Tucker] was a very approachable person, everybody talked about his smile and he would light up the room; A very humble and loving kid he was,” Ibars said.

Many remember Tucker as one who always had a goofy smile, a positive attitude, and always willing to to help others.

“Hey Tuck, I’m gonna miss your contagious laugh, and your persistence for wanting to be better. I’ll never forget your jokes and quirky smile, and the memories we shared man. My heart goes out to you and your family. I’ll continue forever to strive for success with you always in my heart and mind. YITB. 717,” Shahaab Razak, a friend of Tucker, wrote on Tucker’s obituary page on legacy.com.

Many of those who spoke at the service told Tucker’s family to reach out if they ever needed anything because they considered them family.

Some of the alumni speakers also took the opportunity to urge the brothers to stay united, get to know each other more, to reach out to each other, be there for each other and support one another.

“I would tell the TKE brothers and everyone to stay strong, we are mighty TKE,” Ibars said.

Kathryn Kominars, the associate director for Counseling and Psychological Services, also attended the service and told everyone about the trained counselors the University had  available to help students cope with their grief.

The University also offers a 24-hour outline that students can reach at 305-348-3000.

Tucker’s wake was held Sunday, Feb 4, and his funeral was on Monday, Feb. 5.

 

Feature Image retrieved from legacy.com

 

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