On March 9, Sam Houston State University Orange Keys hosted this year’s virtual  Raven’s Call ceremony to honor and celebrate the lives of departed students, faculty, staff, retired faculty/staff and alumni. 

Raven’s Call first commenced in 2012 as a way to honor alum and staff that have passed away. This year’s Raven’s Call ceremony recognized Bearkats that passed away between March 1, 2019, to Feb 28, 2021. 

Orange Keys Vice President of Programming Amanda Lee,  President Eric Manis and Dean of Students John Yarabeck all spoke at the event. 

“People entering the university now will appreciate the history and the recognition of the university with this ceremony,” mass communication professor Dr. Ruth Massingill said. “Part of the attachment that many students have to the university that carries on after they graduate and leave is because of that history and the long period that Sam Houston has been educating students and having students go through the same doors.”   

The traditional site of the Raven’s Call ceremony was the Blatchley Bell Tower however, this year’s ceremony was broadcast virtually at noon on Raven’s call official page in accordance with CDC guidelines.

To view the Raven’s Call ceremony and list of those honored, visit https://www.shsu.edu/dept/dean-of-students/ravens-call/