Photo by Zach Lee
Faculty, staff and students gathered Wednesday night to remember the lives of two students who passed away during winter break: freshman Daniela Benavides and sophomore Cameron Johnson.
Benavides was killed in a single-car crash in Key Biscayne, Florida on Jan. 1 and Johnson died in Ecuador on Jan. 6, while on a travel break from the Buenos Aires international program.
University Chaplain Sara Barton hosted Wednesday’s service. She encouraged everyone, as a community, to support each other during this difficult time: “Turn to each other, give one another permission to grieve uniquely, talk to your mentors, let the Counseling Center serve you,” Barton said. “Turn to the University Church of Christ or to the church you regularly attend with your spiritual needs.”
Barton said she wants everyone to know that the Pepperdine community cares about them and the Office of the Chaplain is there to help them and offer spiritual guidance.
During the memorial service, students and staff who knew Benavides and Johnson spoke about how both were always happy people, inspiring everyone around them to be positive. The Chamber Choir sang two songs in honor of Benavides and Johnson.
Two flower arrangements stood at the front of Elkins auditorium in honor of Benavides and Johnson. One featured the yellow national flower of Colombia, the Flor de Mayo, to honor Benavides’ Columbian heritage. The other arrangement featured red roses, the national flower of Ecuador, where Johnson died.
Professor of biology Steve Davis, Benavides’ first-year seminar instructor, spoke during the service about his fond memories of Benavides, who “inspir[ed] all of us, students and teachers, to enjoy the moment, live better lives, eager to meet new acquaintances and always be respectful of others,” Davis said.
Davis said that on the first day of school Benavides stood out immediately because of her infectious, glowing smile.
Ruben Briceno, a longtime friend of Benavides who came to Pepperdine with her, spoke during the service about how she was a source of joy to everyone.
“She would come into my day and magically just light up a smile onto my face, and that is something that I truly appreciate, and I thank God to have met someone like that,” Briceno said.
Sophomores Joshua Voorhees and Carter Clinebell were friends of Johnson and in his fraternity, Psi Upsilon. At the memorial service, they talked about his fun, spontaneous nature and their memories of him.
“Cam used his gifts for good in all things. God gifted him with incredible abilities that he used every day,” Voorhees said. “He never ceased to be a form of sunshine even on his own bleakest days.”
International Programs Assistant Director of Recruitment and Student Development Karl Kalinkewicz was the Resident Director for Johnson’s freshman dorm, Miller. Kalinkewicz is also the advisor for Psi Upsilon.
Kalinkewicz said he recalled seeing Johnson at Miller on Fridays after Jumpstart, making plans with his friends. “He never wanted to waste time; he always wanted to go on some quick adventure,” Kalinkewicz said.
At the memorial service, Kalinkewicz encouraged everyone to live life to the fullest and to be inspired by the lives of Benavides and Johnson.
Students in need of support are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center at (310) 506-4210 or the Office of the Chaplain (310) 506-4275.
