November 04, 2021
Students in Trine University’s Spanish minor partnered with students in the Study Abroad Club to celebrate the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) on Nov. 1 and 2.
The students created two different altars, which were placed in the university’s Student Services Office, to celebrate the holiday.
The Study Abroad Club students provided paper butterflies and invited Trine students to write the names of their beloved deceased on them. The students hung about 130 of the butterflies on the wall above one of the altars in the shape of two hearts.
The Spanish minor students brought pictures and personal items to honor their beloved deceased, and decorated the altar with marigold flowers and skulls, which are traditional for the holiday.
“It was beautiful,” said Ana Boman, Spanish lecturer.
The second altar celebrated famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and was decorated with her pictures, paintings and other mementos.
Originating in Mexico and now recognized in other nations, the Day of the Dead honors friends and family members who have died. Typically celebrated from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, the holiday includes traditions such as home altars featuring favorite foods of those being honored.
Butterflies - Trine students hung about 130 paper butterflies with names of deceased loved ones above an altar celebrating the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos).
Frida Kahlo - An altar that was part of Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) celebrations at Trine University honors famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
Spanish students - Students in Trine University's Spanish minor helped create altars to celebrate the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) on Nov. 1 and 2. Front, from left, are Kimmia Fotovat of Naperville, Illinois; Fatima Rodriguez of Horizon City, Texas; Meara Finnegan of Blissfield, Michigan; Jessica Westphal of Canal Fulton, Ohio; and Ana Boman, Spanish lecturer. In back are Eric Santiago-Garcia of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Adam Goushaw of Rockford, Michigan; and Jacob Roeder of Granger, Indiana.
Trine University honored Kathy Eikenberry, known along with her husband Mike for her service and philanthropy throughout the Greater Fort Wayne area, with its annual Woman of Distinction Award during the university’s annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 3.
Trine University honored alumnus Dr. Tomas Furth, namesake of the university’s T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, as trustee emeritus during its annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Oct. 3.
Rick Henvey, chief executive officer for Parkview Health, was named Trine University’s Pillar of Success during the university’s Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 3.