Written by Ashley Jones, Web Editor.

On the evening of Feb. 19, VSU and SGA held a candlelight and floral tribute to celebrate the life of Tanique Thomas, a freshman student who died on Monday, Feb. 17. 

Thomas’s mother, friends, fellow SGA members and members of the community joined each other to honor her life and support each other through mourning.  

Tanique Thomas, known by her friends as “Nique” or “Ms. Brooklyn,” was a freshman from Coral Springs, Florida, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry.  

The vigil was originally scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 19 on Converse Square, but due to the rain, the vigil’s location was changed to the Student Union Rotunda.  

Flowers were provided for friends and guests to honor Tanique’s memory.  Although Thomas was only in her second semester of her freshman year, it was evident that she made a big impact on campus by the mass of students that filled the Rotunda to celebrate her life.

 Dr. Vince Miller, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, spoke as the narrator for the vigil.  Miller described Thomas as a “light that had a lasting impact on each and every one of us on campus.” Thomas was described by Miller as “taking this campus by storm.”  

Thomas’s main goal for her freshman year was to get the freshman senator position on SGA, and when she finally got that position, she was described by Miller as “quickly making an impact.” 

Next to speak on the memory of Thomas’s life and her time as a freshman senator, was the President of SGA, William Burnett. 

During his speech, he described his first time meeting Thomas at the freshman SPARK week Pep Rally.  

“Through the huge crowd of students, you could see Tanique right there,” Burnett said. “…She was so excited to be here, and I think that was something very new for us, since I’ve got here, we have never seen that.” 

Burnett also recounted the time Thomas stopped him within Hopper Hall to ask for his support with her application for freshman senator. 

 “As soon as I got off the elevator, [Hopper Hall’s elevator], I heard Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. President…and I turned around and it was Tanique. She goes Hi…I’ve already applied for SGA, I just need your support, I know I’m going to get it [Freshman Senator position].” 

Burnett described his fellow SGA member as bringing “joy” to others around her and that it was an “honor to work with her.” 

Thomas’s close friends and roommates tearfully and emotionally expressed their love for her during the vigil by reminiscing on her memory and providing comfort to her mother during this difficult time.  

The ceremony concluded by allowing guests and friends to do a floral tribute in front of posters of Thomas.  

Photos courtesy of MGN and Ashley Jones, Web Editor.