In a moving and heartfelt ceremony, friends and family honored the memory of Krisha Patel, a student in the Oxford College Class of 2024 who died last year at 19 years old. She was known by friends, family and many others as a “thoughtful and genuine” person who brought light to those around her, a sentiment that was expressed throughout the memorial service.
The event centered around unveiling a stained-glass sunflower, created by artist Dawn Kinsey Smith, as the 2024 Oxford Class Gift.” The Oxford Class Gift Campaign is an annual tradition where the sophomore class at Oxford raises money in order to leave something tangible behind. The campaign allows students to contribute to their community, show gratitude for their educational opportunities, and recognize those who have influenced their time at Oxford.
According to the event details, “The sunflower symbolizes Krisha’s vibrant spirit, her love for community and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.”
The commemoration was held Feb. 9 from 3-4:30 p.m. in Candler Hall and was intended to “offer a moment of reflection, connection and remembrance for all.”
Anthony Vargas (24Ox, 26C) began the speeches by reliving the moment he was inspired to recommend the idea for the piece. While studying chemistry on the second floor of Candler, Vargas watched the sunlight stream in through the stained glass of the Class of 2006’s gift — a gorgeous tree. That was when the vision struck for his class’ gift.
“I presented it to the class and the people who were very close to [Krisha],” Vargas said. “They knew that that resembled her very well. I didn’t know her personally, but through all the stories, this was a beautiful human that we can continue to celebrate, especially today.”
The Gift Committee’s co-chair Toluwanimi Olaleye (24Ox, 26C) continued the remarks, celebrating the sunflower as an “impactful image” that could only be made possible by the artist’s understanding and expert craftsmanship.
Smith went to the front and spoke next. A Covington, Ga. local herself, she has “done stained glass for over 20 years.” She has completed several memorial pieces but expressed that this project had a special place in her heart.
“This wasn’t just a job for me,” Smith said. “It meant something to me, so I wanted to do a good job for you guys. It did take many months, but it’s all done, and I’m very pleased with it.”
Krisha’s close friend Noah Lian (23Ox, 25C) shared memories of her intellect, humor and boundless talent.
“She excelled in everything she set her mind to, be it tennis, ballet, gymnastics, art, reading,” Lian said. “Every conversation with her was engaging, full of sharp insight and personality just uniquely her own. She wasn’t just someone you met — she was someone you remembered and thought about for the rest of your life.”
Lian then acknowledged Krisha’s mother, Parul Patel, and her father, Bimal Patel. Lian told them not just how amazing their daughter was, but also expressed gratitude for their kindness, openness and warmth.
“You have made sure that we, her friends, never felt alone in our grief,” Lian said.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Krisha’s parents stepped forward. Parul Patel offered a prayer in Sanskrit before both thanked the school for its touching remembrance.
“As much as Krisha was dear to us, you guys are all dear to us,” Bimal Patel said.
In a final tribute, Smith presented Krisha’s parents with a personal stained-glass lotus flower, its pink and white petals mirroring one Krisha had once drawn, and its rippled blue glass evoking the movement of water.
At last, the 2024 Oxford Class Gift was unveiled — a vivid and lifelike sunflower surrounded in a dynamic teal border. Smith encouraged those present to walk around the room and look at the piece from different angles and at different times of the day to witness it in different shadows and lighting.
The ceremony’s tone was one of reverence and memory, but also fondness and immense gratitude. The gift from the Class of 2024 not only commemorates Krisha, but will serve as a visual reminder of the joy she has left everyone with for the rest of their lives.
This gift from the Class of 2024 honors Krisha’s memory and will stand as a lasting tribute to the joy she brought into the Oxford community.
Kimble Schiller (she/her) (26Ox,28C) is from Houston, Texas and is majoring in economics and philosophy, politics and law. Outside of the Wheel, she can be found studying, hiking, writing for fun, or spending time with friends.
