Elizabeth remembered by CSU students, faculty, and staff
(September 25, 2024) - On Wednesday, September 18, members of the Clayton State community came together to remember the life of Elizabeth, the university’s beloved swan, in a memorial ceremony at the university amphitheater.
Elizabeth graced the waters on campus for almost 10 years, providing a sense of calm and peace for many Lakers during their time either learning or teaching at Clayton State University.
Some remembered her majestic presence, others spoke about her love life and the suspense of the “Swoose Cam,” and others said she was simply the best meal companion.
One student even said the lakes on campus now feel more “empty” since her passing.
While she is no longer on campus, she will always live on in spirit here at Clayton State University.
“For nearly a decade, her presence graced our campus community and offered us all moments of serenity and solace,” said President Dr. Georj Lewis. “May her remembrance be a reminder of the gentle strength and elegance that defined her spirit.”
“Elizabeth was a special swan,” said Archival Studies Prof. Penelope Cliff. “Like elephants, [swans] have long memories. I’m telling you this because Elizabeth remembered her human friends. When she saw many of us walking down to work, she’d come running down, flapping those wings to get to you ... she was part of Laker Nation. To me, Elizabeth is a true Laker.”
“She’s a part of our core memory,” said Dr. Michael Lindsay, associate professor of English and African American Studies. “When I told my daughter that Elizabeth had passed, she had a real moment. And I realized that beauty like [Elizabeth’s] means a lot more than what we sometimes appreciate at the time.”
“It is not often [that] organizations have memorial services such as this one,” said Dr. Ceimone Henderson-Strickland, speaking on behalf of former CSU Professor Elizabeth Taylor – Elizabeth’s namesake. “I kept a bag of bird food in my office, and she quickly came to associate me with mealtime. Eventually, no matter where she was on the lake, she would quickly swim toward me wherever I was after just a few whistles. I am honored the tradition of swans at Clayton State University continues and am sure our new members will enjoy the campus as much as Elizabeth did.”
“She was a prominent feature to the Laker family, whether it was prospective students, faculty, staff, and whoever came to campus,” said Dr. Ashlee Spearman, Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Student Success. “She did things in her own time and her own way, and I liked that about her. One thing we knew about Elizabeth was how much of the Laker Family she was [a part of] and will continue to be – once a Laker always a Laker.”
Elizabeth’s memory will continue to live on at Clayton State University, not just in the minds of the students, faculty, and staff who loved her, but also in various additional enhancements to campus.
A brand-new Swan Lake Garden was recently planted in her honor new Spivey Hall, and a new online virtual assistant will be launched for all students at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
Its name? Elizabeth!