Students, staff remember late professor at memorial
Jasmine McKeiver
Section: News
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On a warm Monday evening in the lecture hall of Bozeman Education building at Norfolk State University on January 7, nearly 120 to 130 students, staff, and faculty came to show their respects to the late Professor Gabrielle Peltier.
On December 14, 2007 around 4 p.m. students and staff watched as city and campus police removed a body from a black SUV in the parking lot adjacent to Scott Dozier Dining Hall at Norfolk State University. The body was that of Gabrielle Peltier, a secondary education professor at NSU. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Campus police are investigating her death as a suicide.
Peltier was a professor at NSU since March 2005. She had earned a doctoral degree in education, and she specialized in counseling, education administration, and educational leadership.
Presiding over the memorial was Norma Brumage, professor of secondary education and school leadership at NSU.
The service was based on the inspiration and the encouragement of Peltier. It was a service to remember her life, not her death.
Jean Braxton, dean of the School of Education, gave many words of encouragement to students, family, and friends.
"I see boxes of tissue around the room today, and I hope we will not use them," said Braxton. "I ask today that this be a celebration," said Braxton.
Melendez Byrd, department chair of secondary education and school leadership, reflected on his memories of Peltier and told the audience to not lose faith.
"We are here today to honor her life for the great things she has done," said Byrd. "If any of you all loose faith or hope, just look up to God."
After Byrd concluded his reflections, a memory journal was passed around for the crowd to write down memories to give to the family.
A digital slideshow of Peltier was designed by Larry Ferguson, assistant professor of secondary education and school leadership, dedicated to the life of Peltier.
The theme of the slideshow was "Special Times."
"We called Dr. P a shining star," said Ferguson, "Sometimes we take for granted family, but we still have those special times."
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Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Arlene Mattai
posted 12/18/07 @ 5:14 PM EST
I am astonished and devastated by this tragedy that rocked Norfolk State University. It is with deep and saddened emotions that I write this comment. (Continued…)
ericj
Eric Strickland
posted 2/09/08 @ 2:56 PM EST
I heard the news of Gabbies passing 2 weeks ago. I am still in shock. I met Gabbie in 1981. I was in love at 1st sight. We met in church. She was the answer to my prayers. (Continued…)
Cara
posted 3/18/08 @ 11:04 PM EST
I met Gabby in the 80's in California. She was like a mentor to me and a big sister. She always pushed me to finish school and focus. I was caught up with the L. (Continued…)
ericj
Ericj
posted 3/30/08 @ 10:06 PM EST
Cara and anyone else who loved Gabbie, It was a great loss to all that knew her at any time in her life. Please anyone feel free to email me at ericj612003@yahoo. (Continued…)
micah blackburn
posted 8/06/09 @ 10:27 PM EST
She was my aunt i never got to meet her, wish i did, i'm her brothers daughter and never really met that side of the family...would've been nice.
shannon scoggins-hall
posted 12/08/09 @ 12:28 PM EST
Gabrielle was my supervisor when we both worked for Norfolk Public Schools (before NSU). She was always energetic and full of life. She cared for myself and my children. (Continued…)
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