Classmates, instructors, administrators and family members came together last week to remember Nolan Hannan, a fourth-year College of Pharmacy student who died earlier this month.

"We're a small family," said College of Pharmacy Dean Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D. "We take only 60 students a year, so by the fourth year, the students have really bonded with each other and become very close."

His death touches everybody in the College of Pharmacy family -- the students, staff and faculty and our external preceptors. We wanted to take an opportunity to get together and celebrate his life and accomplishments."

The group gathered on the Ruth & Bill Scott Student Plaza to share stories of Hannan, and afterward had burgers and brats at the ice rink.

"The goal today is to celebrate Nolan's life, and there is a lot to celebrate," said Chris Shaffer, Pharm.D., who spoke at the ceremony. "I want us to share our experiences with Nolan and come together to allow Nolan's spirit to keep living on."

Justin Lane, a pharmacy student and Hannan's roommate, said the gathering was a celebration of Hannan's life.

"I feel like Nolan touched all our lives," he said. "He was someone you could always go to, to talk about anything. He could always put a smile on your face."

Lane said the ceremony also was a way to show support for Hannan's family members, several of whom spoke Thursday night.

"I would like for his family and friends to know that he is always part of our life," Dr. Shaffer said. "And so they are always part of our life, as well."