Hundreds of Stillman College students and alumni gathered in their Birthright Auditorium Thursday, September 2, to remember and celebrate the life of former Student Government Association president and 2010 graduate, Tiara Gipson-Bonner.

“She’s made a lasting impression on everyone in the room, and certainly this institution…” remarked the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Sharon Whittaker-Davis as she addressed the tearful crowd. “Her legacy lives on.”

Bonner, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died just two months after graduating with honors in psychology. Although she bravely battled lupus disease throughout her academic career, Bonner remained consistently active in student activities and left behind a legacy of service.  Bonner was a member of the College choir, the Chancellorette Social Club, the Sophistication Unlimited Modeling Troupe, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

As members of the audience reflected on moments spent with Bonner, her mother, Alicia Gipson, reminded them of the humorous personality and motivated character her daughter had. “Tiara did more in her 22 years of life than I’ve done in my entire lifetime… but she didn’t eat her vegetables!” Gipson exclaimed with a smile.

Stillman alum and former SGA president, Maurice Williams of Oakland, California, presented plans for a memorial scholarship and charged students to honor Bonner by becoming more actively involved in the Stillman community.

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