FROM LECTURE HALLS TO HEAVENLY HALLS: A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED COURSE MATES

It’s difficult to find the right words when grief visits more than once. In 2021, 2024, and most recently in 2025, we lost not just course mates, but three incredible souls who walked part of life’s journey with us—Late Rehab Kutai, Late Noel Gabriel, and Late Rosemary Otiwa.

Each one of them was more than just a name on the class list. They were vibrant individuals with dreams, determination, and warmth that touched the lives of those around them. I remember the long nights before exams, the spontaneous laughter between lectures, the inside jokes, and the shared ambition that bonded us. In those shared moments, they became more than classmates—they became family.

We lost Late Rehab Kutai in February 2021—a time when we were still learning to navigate school and life. Her quiet strength and gentle heart are things I will always remember.

Then came the passing of Late Noel Gabriel in August 2024, a bright soul whose energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Noel had a spark that made you believe anything was possible.

And most recently, in February 2025, we said goodbye to Late Rosemary Otiwa—a graceful, brilliant spirit who brought light to every room she entered. Her kindness and humility left a deep mark on everyone who knew her.

As graduation draws near, their absence feels even heavier. We celebrate, but we also remember. Their seats may be empty, but their presence is deeply felt—in our hearts, in our stories, and in the journey we’re all about to complete. They deserved to cross that stage too. And in spirit, they will.

Their journey may have shifted from lecture halls to heavenly halls, but their legacy remains rooted in our hearts. In their memory, we find strength. In their stories, we find inspiration. And in their lives, we find a reminder to live with purpose, to love deeply, and to cherish every moment.

Losing three course mates in different seasons of life has been heartbreaking. It’s a reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. Yet in the middle of the pain, we hoose to celebrate them:

We celebrate their lives.
We celebrate the moments we shared.
We celebrate the legacy they left behind—of courage, joy, and purpose.

Their passing is a deep loss to all of us who knew them, and to a world that never got to witness all they would have become. But they live on—in our memories, in our stories, in the way we carry forward with more love, more compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the time we have.

Rest peacefully, Rehab.
Rest peacefully, Noel.
Rest peacefully, Rosemary.

You are loved. You are missed. And you are never forgotten. 

With love, remembrance and hope,          The Pinnacles.