Memorial tree planted for Uzbekistan RPCV Melissa Reynolds



Reynolds, who was in her second year of the sociology and anthropology masters program, was studying to become a historical archeologist when she came to ISU in 2005. Born in the Netherlands, Reynolds joined the Peace Corps for two years and taught English to elementary students in Uzbekistan before attending ISU. She aspired to become an archaeologist when she was in elementary school and was well on her way to achieving that goal.

Memorial tree planted for Uzbekistan RPCV Melissa Reynolds

Memorial tree planted for former ISU student

Kate Stickelmaier

Issue date: 5/7/07 Section: News

A memorial tree was planted Friday in remembrance of former ISU graduate student Melissa Reynolds (Khojamova) who was killed in a car accident last November.

The ceremony, which was held in Schroeder Hall Room 394 at 11:00 a.m. due to the inclimate weather, served as a time for those who were close to Reynolds to reflect on her life and to share their fond memories of her. In attendance were family, friends and teachers who spoke of their thoughts regarding Melissa's untimely death and the full life she led.

"It goes without saying that the entire department community was devastated to learn of Melissa's death," Nick Maroules, chair of the sociology and anthropology department, said. "She will be sorely missed...and the tree will serve as a testament [to her memory]."

Reynolds, who was in her second year of the sociology and anthropology masters program, was studying to become a historical archeologist when she came to ISU in 2005.

Born in the Netherlands, Reynolds joined the Peace Corps for two years and taught English to elementary students in Uzbekistan before attending ISU.

She aspired to become an archaeologist when she was in elementary school and was well on her way to achieving that goal.

After returning from a dig in Wisconsin, Reynolds had obtained an internship and expected to graduate this summer.

"Melissa was a great student, very promising in the field and will be missed in it," Elizabeth Scott, historical archaeology graduate program coordinator, said.

Reynolds, as the lone student in her major, also brought her love of historical archaeology into a classroom full of history students.

Her mother, Jan Reynolds, described Reynolds' ambitions by reading passages from her junior high school scrapbook.

"I hope to be able to go to the middle school and present archaeology to the students there," Reynolds' mother said.

Reynolds also mentioned that although her daughter had gone through some hard times in her life while in the process of a divorce, her faith in God had helped to bring her to a happier place in her life.

Look at all of the people we would not have known if she hadn't been born," Reynolds said when referring to those in attendance.

"She made an impact on anyone and everyone she came in contact with."

Reynolds' mother was also presented with a plaque honoring her daughter's life during the tearful ceremony.

"I appreciate every one of you and the [part] you played in her life," Reynolds said. "I'm glad she came here and this is where she belonged."

Reynolds was on her way home for Thanksgiving break in the early morning hours of November 21 when her car was struck head on by a motorist driving the wrong way on U.S. 131 outside Kalamazoo, Mich.

A Red Bud tree, which was chosen due to Reynolds' love of the color purple, was planted with an "in memory" tag attached to it during the bag pipe-accompanied service.

The location of the tree outside the University and College entrance to Schroeder Hall felt appropriate to the students who often conversed with Reynolds there.

"The students wanted to do something that would be lasting," Scott said. "Every spring we'll see this tree with the gorgeous flowers and think of Melissa."

By raising $618 dollars as part of a memorial fund in honor of Reynolds, Facilities Management will provide the care and upkeep of the tree.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: May, 2007; Peace Corps Uzbekistan; Directory of Uzbekistan RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Uzbekistan RPCVs; Obituaries; Peace Corps Library; Peace Corps Directory; Peace Corps History; Peace Corps Message Board; Peace Corps Headlines

When this story was posted in May 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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