Today, an open house was held at the Mills International Center to honor the memory of recent University of Oregon graduate Olivia Smith, who passed away in September.
The event was organized by Smith’s close friend and roommate for two years, Kathleen Darby a UO student.
Among those in attendance were Macy Guico, Smith’s roommate for a year and Associate Dean of Students Sharyl Eyster. Smith was an English major with a minor in Spanish. According to those that knew her a talented writer.
“She was so witty and smart,” Darby said.
Smith grew up in Piedmont, Missouri before moving to North Bend, Oregon. She attended Marshfield High School before she became a student at UO. In high school, Smith played tennis and was a master baton twirler. She also took multiple dance classes at the university.
“I don’t think it should be silenced…it goes on a lot and people don’t know,” said Darby in regards to Smith’s cause of death. Smith took her own life on Sept. 3 in Seattle.
“She was quite the amazing individual, who [made] a lot of contributions to our campus,” Eyster said.
According to Eyster, the University Health Center offers resources for those grieving and also those struggling with suicidal thoughts or depression.
“[Olivia] was loved, very bright, funny…wise beyond her years…she was a good one,” said Amy Friedman.