Pitt holds vigil for students

Students, family, friends and loved ones gathered at Heinz Chapel on a snowy afternoon… Students, family, friends and loved ones gathered at Heinz Chapel on a snowy afternoon yesterday to honor Pitt students Dennis Muttu and Courtney V. Watson.

Muttu, 20, a brother of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, died Dec. 28, 2006, from a brain aneurysm. Watson, a freshman, died Dec. 22, 2006, from injuries suffered in a car accident in her home state of Alabama.

Their friends from the University came together with the immediate family of the two students for an emotional vigil service yesterday.

A procession of the brothers of AEPi began the ceremony, in the presence of many other members of Pitt’s greek community.

While introducing Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey, Greek Adviser Chris Meaner reminded the mourners at Heinz Chapel that “we are here to remember, honor, laugh and cry.”

Humphrey reflected on the commonalities she found between Muttu and Watson, which included, she said, a desire “to enjoy life, have a giving spirit and help whenever they could.”

She went on to quote a favorite song of her mother’s. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can help somebody with a word or song, then my living shall not be in vain,” she said.

“They did not wait until they were old to live life to the fullest,” Humphrey said. “Many of your lives are richer because you knew them.”

The Muttu family members present each spoke at the vigil. His father, Collins Atiko Muttu, reflected on his son’s love for Pitt and extended his gratitude to the Pittsburgh community.

“He fell in love with Pittsburgh, and so did I,” he said. “He was a wonderful boy.”

Dennis’s younger brother reflected on the qualities that those who knew him will always remember.

“He was more than a brother, he was my best friend. Without him, I don’t know where I’d be. He was there for me at times when I wasn’t sure about myself. He taught me everything,” he said.

Muttu’s big brother at Alpha Epsilon Pi, Charles Crawford, recounted the first moment he met Muttu at a party, and the honor he felt when Muttu chose him to be his big brother.

“Dennis was the kind of person who lifted everyone up. He was the best and will be missed,” Crawford said.

Godelive Muttu, Dennis’s mother, managed to say some words about her son, despite her tears.

“He was so happy here,” she said. “You were there for him, and I would like to say thank you for being his family far from home.”

Christine Watson, Courtney’s mother, spoke about what made her daughter fall in love with Pitt.

“Courtney knew this was the place for her. She loved old architecture,” she said. “We are from a small town in Alabama, so she didn’t have much city savvy. She lived every moment at Pitt with joy and glee.”

Watson’s mother talked of her shock when Courtney was in the car accident. At the hospital, Christine asked to see an organ donor representative.

“On the 24th of December, when many of you were exchanging presents, my daughter was giving the gift of sight to a blind person,” she said.

Watson also donated her liver, and each of her kidneys to individuals who otherwise would have lost their lives.

“She gave the gift of life on Christmas Eve, which to me is the greatest gift of all,” her mother said.

Also saying words about Watson were her father and a younger brother.

“I really loved my sister, and she loved me,” her brother said.

Sounds of Pleasure, the Pitt women’s a capella choir, performed a moving rendition of Splendor’s “I Think God Can Explain.”

After words by pastor Scott Kuechenmeisterhall, the crowd at Heinz Chapel opened the doors to a whirlwind of snow blowing over the Cathedral lawn. The scene was reminiscent of a quote used by Meaner in the beginning of the ceremony.

“Snow is falling from two angels who will always be with us in our minds, bodies and souls,” he said.