We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Brian Hayes. We hope this memorial provides an opportunity for us to remember Brian, his life and impact. We also hope this page serves as a space for us to grieve together and in community. ~Key Communities
Brian was a friend, leader, and role model to me on so many ways and appreciate and valued everything he did for me. I truly was inspired and thankful to have Brain as a role model to me in my life. I loved and appreciated all his efforts and his traits... moreBrian was a friend, leader, and role model to me on so many ways and appreciate and valued everything he did for me. I truly was inspired and thankful to have Brain as a role model to me in my life. I loved and appreciated all his efforts and his traits of being a leader in the CSU community. I remember my 1st time interacting with Brian, I was a freshman and was new to CSU and what opportunities college would bring to me. I met Brian and his warm presence, his contagious smile left a meaningful mark for me and the connection we both shared together that 1st time. Brian was a helpful, loving, and caring individual that gave so much to CSU's community and appreciate all he did for me throughout my 1st year and as we growed in our relationship. His kindness and his ability to be there for others including me, felt tremendous love and appreciation for. As he worked in the Key department at CSU, he touched and impacted so many lives to ensure they enjoyed their college years and being on CSU's campus. He was not only an advocate for student's passions and dreams but would support them in achieving these dreams and aspirations. He was also available for anyone and checked in with students, including me on how life is going, how's school, etc. Brian was always holding me accountable and encouraging me both as a student and as an individual. Brian truly helped in a variety of ways, he did so much for me and I will miss him dearly. I truly am saddened by the news and will miss Brian's smile, his gifts to the CSU community, and him impacting the lives that are on CSU's campus. I will continue to carry on his legacy and will miss everything about what an awesome individual Brian was.
Thank you so much Brian for everything and love you and will miss you. Rest In Paradise, King. ❤️🙏🏾 less
Brian,
It's hard to believe that any of this is real. It seems like just yesterday I was a mentor for you in Key Explore . Similar to you I started in Key Academics as a student, and then you stole me to become a mentor for Key Explore, and I'm so... moreBrian,
It's hard to believe that any of this is real. It seems like just yesterday I was a mentor for you in Key Explore . Similar to you I started in Key Academics as a student, and then you stole me to become a mentor for Key Explore, and I'm so thankful you did. I remember being so nervous because I knew nothing about Key Explore but you never doubted me and you always encouraged and supported me. Even when I was the only lead mentor, you knew I could do it and reminded me that you had my back.
I'll miss our 1:1s, you pushed me to think deeper and more critically whether we were talking about what music means to us or what does intersectionality mean to me and my identities. I'll never forget how much you made fun of me for saying "like" all the time, you even went as far as recording our conversation so you could count how many times I said it in 5 mins lol.
Brian, thank you for everything, thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone to become a better mentor and leader and thank you for continuing to support me even after college. But most of all thank you for the huge impact you left in everyone's lives, it will not be forgotten. less
Brian always found a way to make you feel important. He made people feel heard and cared for. He was always honest, but the honesty was always filled with empowerment, you know? Brian, I am heartbroken to find out this news. You have made such an impact... moreBrian always found a way to make you feel important. He made people feel heard and cared for. He was always honest, but the honesty was always filled with empowerment, you know? Brian, I am heartbroken to find out this news. You have made such an impact on the community around you. You always had the biggest heart. And you always made everyone smile. You also liked to mispronounce my name the whole year I was a lead mentor and we would always just have playful banter with one another. You just made me laugh when I needed it. You didn't even have to try. My love and thoughts go to Brian's family, friends, and others who felt his impact. Rest easy, you have changed and impacted so many lives. Like we said in Key, you planted seeds. less
Words can hardly do justice to such an amazing individual. I met Brian while serving as a Key Mentor from 2011-2013. Although he wasn't my direct supervisor, he made himself available to me and anyone who needed him. He was an amazing mentor and friend.... moreWords can hardly do justice to such an amazing individual. I met Brian while serving as a Key Mentor from 2011-2013. Although he wasn't my direct supervisor, he made himself available to me and anyone who needed him. He was an amazing mentor and friend. He truly was a genuine human being, that cared for others before himself. I never saw him without a smile, and he was always quick with a joke or to ask you about your day. He'll be missed by many, but the circles he frequented were made better because of him. Condolences to his friends and family. less
I first met Brian probably around 2004 or 2005, but got to know him much better in 2007 when we were Key Mentors together and then worked professionally together from 2011-2013. I am very sad to hear of his passing. If you knew Brian he was a genuinely... moreI first met Brian probably around 2004 or 2005, but got to know him much better in 2007 when we were Key Mentors together and then worked professionally together from 2011-2013. I am very sad to hear of his passing. If you knew Brian he was a genuinely good soul who was kind and cared deeply for the people around him and beyond. When he smiled he shined. Truly one of the nicest guys you could meet. I don't think he had a bad bone in his body. Brian was not one for arriving on-time for meetings (similar to myself) and I used to joke that I wasn't truly late unless I showed up after Brian. But it was because he was always deep in conversation with someone at the last commitment he was coming from and honestly taking an interest in their day. He cared A LOT. My heart goes out to his family, close friends, and all the students and staff whose life he touched. I certainly feel like a better person for having the privilege of him touching my life. less
Brian,
You were one of the most outstanding human beings. You had the ability to make a huge positive impact, even in the smallest of interfaces. You had a special way of validating others with your smile, never too busy to stop and ask about them. Your... moreBrian,
You were one of the most outstanding human beings. You had the ability to make a huge positive impact, even in the smallest of interfaces. You had a special way of validating others with your smile, never too busy to stop and ask about them. Your genuineness always came through in the way you cared for students and co-workers. In every connection with you, I walked away a better person; I thank you for the impact you had on my life.
Thank you for the life you shared. You are an inspiration and my heart goes out to your family, the Key team, and so many who miss you. less
Brian - you were without a doubt the most inspiring human I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. You shaped my entire college experience, from being in Key Explorer my first year to becoming a mentor for the same. I will forever cherish the one on... moreBrian - you were without a doubt the most inspiring human I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. You shaped my entire college experience, from being in Key Explorer my first year to becoming a mentor for the same. I will forever cherish the one on one’s we had and how you pushed me to become who I am today. My most sincere condolences go out to his family and the entirety of the Key and CSU community. You will be forever missed. less
I am having a difficult time processing this. My heart goes out to all of your loved ones. It was only a few months ago I had emailed you about being a reference for me for upcoming job applications. In those emails we caught up on life and the next... moreI am having a difficult time processing this. My heart goes out to all of your loved ones. It was only a few months ago I had emailed you about being a reference for me for upcoming job applications. In those emails we caught up on life and the next chapters of where we wanted to be and what we wanted to do. And now you're gone... It is so strange to be writing about you in past tense now. You were always someone I could rely on and talk to. Even if you weren't always the person I specifically went to, I knew if I needed to, you would be there. You always seemed to have the best advice in every situation. You knew what to say and what anecdotes to share that related to what I was going through. It was a pleasure and an honor to have worked with you in Key Explore. You taught me so much about myself and about life, things I am just realizing now even: how to be vulnerable, how to have confidence, how to stay positive, how to build community, how to take risks, and the importance of loving where you work.
Brian, I hope to be half the person you were one day. You left an impact on so many people. You helped, encouraged, and supported every one who was a part of the Key Communities and then some. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. Rest easy, Brian. You will be sorely missed. less
Brian,
When I think about you I recall the multiple interactions we had my first year participating in Key Explore. You were one of the few people that made me enjoy and take the Key experience seriously. From then on, you were a friendly face and smile... moreBrian,
When I think about you I recall the multiple interactions we had my first year participating in Key Explore. You were one of the few people that made me enjoy and take the Key experience seriously. From then on, you were a friendly face and smile that I would run into as I passed through campus. I then had the opportunity to work with you as a Key Explore mentor where our friendship grew even further. The thing that I will always cherish is when we had our 1:1’s or had our spontaneous talks. I always enjoyed that we could talk about school, sports, and just life itself to challenge and collaborate ideas off one another. No matter the day, no matter the circumstances you always put everyone else first. I always admired how you carried yourself and were present . To my mentor, boss, and friend, I am still at a loss that you’re gone, but I know that your impact and legacy will always carry on. Rest In Peace Brian, thank you for all your wisdom and time that you spent with me! less
Brian was the first person from CSU I ever talked to on the phone! I remember seeing Key Explore's website and thinking "hm, this sounds like me..." and once I talked with Brian I knew for certain that Key was going to be a good thing in my... moreBrian was the first person from CSU I ever talked to on the phone! I remember seeing Key Explore's website and thinking "hm, this sounds like me..." and once I talked with Brian I knew for certain that Key was going to be a good thing in my life. It surely was! Brian brought laughs and joy throughout my time at CSU-- from my first year and on. I remember him making fun of me saying "LITTLE" Wayne and how much candy our team would eat during our Friday staff meetings when I was a mentor. One thing that's stuck with me for years is a something Brian said to me during a 1:1 when I was going through a really hard time. He asked me if I was still running (my favorite thing to do.) I said yeah. He said "As long as you're running, you know you're good. Like me. As long as I'm playing basketball, I know I'm good."
Brian is one of the reasons I am where I am today. Just recently, I was leading a staff meeting of my own at the community college I work at and I brought up Key Communities. My team and I talked about what it means to lead with love, a word we don't always bring up in higher education. I told my team that Key Explore was the place I experienced love as a student. Brian Hayes served our community with humor and with his students always in front. Most importantly, he served with love. I'll think about Brian always. less
Brian was one of the first staff to welcome me to the CSU campus. I met him through Key Explore my freshman year of college back in 2015. I’ll never forget the smile, positivity, funny and happy spirit he carried with him. My heart broke reading a... moreBrian was one of the first staff to welcome me to the CSU campus. I met him through Key Explore my freshman year of college back in 2015. I’ll never forget the smile, positivity, funny and happy spirit he carried with him. My heart broke reading a post, then it re-broke reading an email because that meant it was real and you have been called home. I am blessed and grateful to have known and met you when I did. Until we meet again my friend. Sending my condolences to the family, friends, & CSU community. Rest easy Brian.🫶🏾😢 less
The legacy you have left is astounding and will always inspire all who love and care for you, even beyond. I had the absolute pleasure to not only be a student under your care but also a mentor under your guidance. There's so many lessons I learned from... moreThe legacy you have left is astounding and will always inspire all who love and care for you, even beyond. I had the absolute pleasure to not only be a student under your care but also a mentor under your guidance. There's so many lessons I learned from Key and you specifically, Brian, that I'll carry throughout the rest of my life. Many students who arrived at this campus that went through Key developed a sense of belonging, all thanks to you. The warmth I felt from you and the Key Communities is truly one of the most important memories I hold. People are molded and created by the experiences and care they receive from others and I am so humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to know and learn from you. Rest in paradise, Brian, you will be so missed. less
Brian,
you were one of the first admin I connected with during my summer Bridge orientation and I will never forget the feeling of belonging you brought to me on that day when i was so scared to be on a college campus. You inspired many of my classmates... moreBrian,
you were one of the first admin I connected with during my summer Bridge orientation and I will never forget the feeling of belonging you brought to me on that day when i was so scared to be on a college campus. You inspired many of my classmates including myself to continue support the community in any way that we can. I will miss the conversations we had about music therapy and about different ways to reverse the stigma on mental health. May you rest in paradise less
When I heard that you were gone, I didn’t want to believe it. You touched the hearts of so many and you will be dearly missed. Your laughter was contagious and your heart held so much love and kindness for every person you met. I remember every... moreWhen I heard that you were gone, I didn’t want to believe it. You touched the hearts of so many and you will be dearly missed. Your laughter was contagious and your heart held so much love and kindness for every person you met. I remember every interaction we had ended in goofy laughter and absolute joy. Thank you for sharing your light with so many people. May your memory be a blessing. less
Brian,
You were what I like to call a sacred teacher: always pushing me to expand my perspective on life in a more in depth profound way. And that's who you were: someone who would raise the consciousness of the students he served to help them think... moreBrian,
You were what I like to call a sacred teacher: always pushing me to expand my perspective on life in a more in depth profound way. And that's who you were: someone who would raise the consciousness of the students he served to help them think critically about themselves and their surroundings. I will always be grateful for our talks whether it was in passing or over lunch. You wanted to make a change in the world and flipping the educational system to reimagine how we reach our students and the collective. I am grateful for the times you would come in and visit our Key Explore discussions and energize the room. I loved how well we played off of each other facilitating discussions setting up the ally oop and slam dunk. You were the Kobe to my Shaq.
I am grateful for how competitive you were because you would made us bring out the very best version of ourselves and the smack talk that came with it. But most of all, I will always be grateful for the heart of gold you had for people. You always made sure people were taken care of and felt at home. God Speed my friend. less
Brian has impacted the lives of so many people, mine included. He was the one who introduced me to the Key Explore community at CSU as a freshman, and later I got to work with him directly and see the impact he made on all those around him. He was always... moreBrian has impacted the lives of so many people, mine included. He was the one who introduced me to the Key Explore community at CSU as a freshman, and later I got to work with him directly and see the impact he made on all those around him. He was always so passionate about helping students, and had such a positive and upbeat attitude everywhere he went. He was a great person and will be missed by so many. Rest In Paradise Brian! We’ll always remember you. less
It wasn't until I heard this news that I truly reflected on how much of Brian's wisdom I carry with me each day. No one was so full of love and drive in everything they do. His values of hard work and respect were always important and helped to create... moreIt wasn't until I heard this news that I truly reflected on how much of Brian's wisdom I carry with me each day. No one was so full of love and drive in everything they do. His values of hard work and respect were always important and helped to create many a responsible CSU student. A pleasure to be around and to work with, Brian will be very missed. He always said "You do not have to like me, but you do need to respect me." Well Brian, you were liked and respected by so, so many. Your legacy will continue to be a driving factor of the Key Communities for years to come. less
I am so thankful to have met Brian 6 years ago when I was apart of Key Explore my Freshman year. Brian had such love, energy, and positivity that made me feel so welcome to such a great community. Coming from out of state, I will never forget the little... moreI am so thankful to have met Brian 6 years ago when I was apart of Key Explore my Freshman year. Brian had such love, energy, and positivity that made me feel so welcome to such a great community. Coming from out of state, I will never forget the little things he did to make me feel at home. I am forever grateful to have met such a wonderful, inspiring person. Much love Brian, I know you are beaming down at us all!! less
BHayes, damn I am going to miss you. I don't want to believe this truth. There aren't enough words to describe the impact you have had on me and on many others. I joined Key because of you. I became a mentor because of you. I will miss checking-in with... moreBHayes, damn I am going to miss you. I don't want to believe this truth. There aren't enough words to describe the impact you have had on me and on many others. I joined Key because of you. I became a mentor because of you. I will miss checking-in with you and sharing updates... by the way I got that teaching job in the Middle School. I will miss our friendly banter and smack talk... I know I know I deserved it, you always said I was a little "sassy." But mostly Brian thank you for the impact you had on my life. You made sure to always check-in on me and taught me the importance of advocating for myself. You made sure that everyone always felt loved and needed. You provided years of support during my time at CSU and post-CSU. As I move into my career, I am going to make sure to bring a student-centered focus always... just like you did. BHayes, you will be greatly missed. Rest in paradise!! less
Oh Brian! My heart sunk as I heard the news of your demise. It is hard to wrap my head around your death. I am going to miss our friendly banter at the front desk and that bright smile of yours that lit up rooms. You genuinely cared for your students. My... moreOh Brian! My heart sunk as I heard the news of your demise. It is hard to wrap my head around your death. I am going to miss our friendly banter at the front desk and that bright smile of yours that lit up rooms. You genuinely cared for your students. My prayer goes out to your family in this difficult time. May you rest in everlasting peace!! less
Brian, your legacy, words, and actions will continue live on. You've changed the CSU community and beyond in ways that words cannot describe. You have left a lasting impact for future generations of students and community members to benefit from. Thank... moreBrian, your legacy, words, and actions will continue live on. You've changed the CSU community and beyond in ways that words cannot describe. You have left a lasting impact for future generations of students and community members to benefit from. Thank you for creating change and being an agent of service and kindness to ALL. May you forever rest in power and peace 🙏🏿 less
Brain is definitely someone I will never forget from my CSU experience. I remember the first time meeting him on campus as a Freshman Key Community member. He was welcoming and really energetic. Brain is what made me what to continue on to Key Plus my... moreBrain is definitely someone I will never forget from my CSU experience. I remember the first time meeting him on campus as a Freshman Key Community member. He was welcoming and really energetic. Brain is what made me what to continue on to Key Plus my sophomore year. Thank you for always being so joyful and passion about what you do. You will be missed. Rest in Paradise!! less
To know Brian is to love Brian. Brian was my coordinator for key explore. He made me feel welcome in a space where I was new to. He always made sure we felt heard and seen. It meant so much to have someone rooting for me and always in my corner. Whatever... moreTo know Brian is to love Brian. Brian was my coordinator for key explore. He made me feel welcome in a space where I was new to. He always made sure we felt heard and seen. It meant so much to have someone rooting for me and always in my corner. Whatever I had going on, I always knew I could count on Brian. He was someone that could lift the energy in any room they entered. Brian impacted my life and I will carry what he taught me forever. Thank you for always seeing the best in me, especially when I didn't. less
Brian was my coordinator for Key Explore during my first year at CSU. I met him during orientation as he talked about how awesome Key Explore was and the classes we had to choose from. I remember thinking how cool he was, I had no idea professional staff... moreBrian was my coordinator for Key Explore during my first year at CSU. I met him during orientation as he talked about how awesome Key Explore was and the classes we had to choose from. I remember thinking how cool he was, I had no idea professional staff members could be so fun. As a first-generation student, I found Brian to be so welcoming, I felt like I belonged when he was around. As I grew throughout my first and second years, it surprised me that Brian remembered who I was. He always told me how proud he was of me and to keep doing amazing things. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without him. As I graduate later this week, I am glad that I got the chance to know Brian and am thankful for every kind thing he did for me and others. less
Brian was my coordinator for key health professions as my first year as a key mentor. On our first day meeting as a staff cluster he had joined all of us in talking about our zodiac signs. Even though he’s a Gemini we really loved having Brian help us... moreBrian was my coordinator for key health professions as my first year as a key mentor. On our first day meeting as a staff cluster he had joined all of us in talking about our zodiac signs. Even though he’s a Gemini we really loved having Brian help us through being a mentor. We spent a lot of meetings just being real with each other and truly enjoying our conversations and having fun. He had given me advice to help me make some of my hardest decisions I had to make at the time. I had always looked forward to seeing Brian and seeing what he had to say that day! I truly appreciated the love he had for us as his staff, his guidance and impact he had on all of us. less
Brian gave the BEST hugs! Any time I saw him, whether from across the room or down the hallway, we would stop and share a hug. I always knew that his hugs came from a place of friendship and care. His hugs would lift me up on my hardest days, and give... moreBrian gave the BEST hugs! Any time I saw him, whether from across the room or down the hallway, we would stop and share a hug. I always knew that his hugs came from a place of friendship and care. His hugs would lift me up on my hardest days, and give me new energy. I met Brian when I first joined CASA as a staff member in 2012. It was during the Ram Welcome Carnival when we were paired together to run one of the carnival booths for a few hours, that I really got to know Brian. Brian and I had the best time! He gave the students pointers and tips on how to play the silly game. He enthusiastically cheered on each student and showed genuine care no matter the outcome of their turn with the game. He was always supporting the students, even at our carnival game! I will always cherish the hallway conversations that we had. He always shared updates about his family in Denver. He loved his family, both his family and his Ramily. He was kind, funny, genuine, caring, and full of life. I have missed his smile and his hugs since he left CSU in January. I will carry his memory with me always. Brian, you are so special to me and I will sorely miss you. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. less
I met Brian about 5 years ago as a freshman in college while I was in Key Explore. I never had him as a professor but he was there for me during one of the hardest times of my life and talked me through staying in school and not dropping out. He taught... moreI met Brian about 5 years ago as a freshman in college while I was in Key Explore. I never had him as a professor but he was there for me during one of the hardest times of my life and talked me through staying in school and not dropping out. He taught me to really think about the choices I make and to be mindful with those choices. He made me feel supported and I will forever be grateful for his impact on my life. My thoughts go out to his friends and family, his presence will be greatly missed. Thank you for making me a better student/person and believing in me even when I didn’t. less
My condolences to Brian and his family, i met Brian during CSU orientation in 2018 and he easily convinced me to join key communities. When I met Brian I knew that I had made the right choice coming to CSU because I honestly had never met someone as nice... moreMy condolences to Brian and his family, i met Brian during CSU orientation in 2018 and he easily convinced me to join key communities. When I met Brian I knew that I had made the right choice coming to CSU because I honestly had never met someone as nice and welcoming as Brian, his commitment to community is something that I will always strive for, as well as his lending ear. I wish I could have spoken to Brian to let him know how far I have came since I walked into CSU as a freshman, but I know he’s watching me proud as ever. You will be missed heavily Brian, love you man. less
Impact. As I sit here this afternoon and remember Brian, my mind races to many memories. I've know Brian for years...first as a CSU student and then as a colleague. Brian was a "roll up your sleeves and get it done" kind of person. Always full... moreImpact. As I sit here this afternoon and remember Brian, my mind races to many memories. I've know Brian for years...first as a CSU student and then as a colleague. Brian was a "roll up your sleeves and get it done" kind of person. Always full of laughter, love, and generosity, Brian made an impact. He believed in people and their possibilities and he, consistently, challenged me to "remember my why." I will cherish my friendship with Brian, and my heart goes out to all of his family and friends. less
It was such an honor to get to know Brian and have him as an instructor. What an impact he had in my life as a student and as a person . I was going through the hardest times in my life when I met him and he believed in me. He taught me that a leader... moreIt was such an honor to get to know Brian and have him as an instructor. What an impact he had in my life as a student and as a person . I was going through the hardest times in my life when I met him and he believed in me. He taught me that a leader it’s not someone who gives orders but a leader is someone who loves, listens and understands, what a great leader he was full of love, laughs and of course his jokes. I miss you and will forever remember you for who you were and the great impact you made in my life. It was an honor to get to know you. Fly high and Rest In Peace. less
There are individuals that once get get the pleasure to know them, they make an impact on our lives. I had the pleasure and privilege to know and work with Brian. I was a TA for his class, a class that not only impacted me but also every single student... moreThere are individuals that once get get the pleasure to know them, they make an impact on our lives. I had the pleasure and privilege to know and work with Brian. I was a TA for his class, a class that not only impacted me but also every single student that was a part of it. Brian always gave students spaces and time to reflect on who they are and the change that they want to see around them, he always gave his all to his family and community. He was always asking about ways to best support students and for students to feel comfortable sharing in class.
Brian I am going to miss you so much, thank you for everything... from the daily encouragement and support to all the times we got to laugh and share life stories. I still remember the day I was told I was going to be a TA for your class, I was so excited and happy. Our time together went by so fast, but I will always remember the things that you taught me. I know that you made an impact on so many but know that I am a better person and student because of you, because you choose to believe in me and my ability to lead. I miss you so much today and always. Thank you so much less
There isn’t many people who I look up to, but Brian was one of those special people in my life that have always motivated me.
I first met Brian when I was a finalist In the Puksta Scholarship. I went through an interview process over zoom where I had... moreThere isn’t many people who I look up to, but Brian was one of those special people in my life that have always motivated me.
I first met Brian when I was a finalist In the Puksta Scholarship. I went through an interview process over zoom where I had the pleasure of having Brian as one of my judges amongst four other people. I was nervous and embarrassed that none of the judges would like my project idea, but Brian, wasn’t afraid to make it clear that he was supportive of my goals. Not only did he express his appreciation for me, he also made it clear to the other judges how useful my project would be for the school. Another reason why I find Brian so special to me is because he was the only other person of color in the meeting. Having him there was reassuring because I didn’t feel so alone knowing someone could help understand me. Although, I didn’t win the scholarship, I still continued my project because all I needed was for only one person to believe in me and that was Brian. If it wasn’t for him, my project would’ve never happened and I would’ve never succeeded so I give me greatest appreciation to Brian for giving me that moment. I can’t express how thankful I am for him. When I found out that I was having him as my key instructor the next semester, I was filled with joy. From there on, we both shared connections in talking about struggles with mental health, and resources around campus. We also shared jokes, had conversations about life and many more other conversations that’ll always remember.
Thanks to Brian, these memories are what I’ll continue to take with me through life. I want to continue to do better in hopes of taking his advice because Brian’s greatest passion was for his students to achieve their dreams. Thank you Brian for all that you were and all that you did! I didn’t say it enough in class, but I hope he knew how much I’ll always appreciate him.🤍 less
You meet so many people all the time at CSU that it can be easy to forget names and things people have told you. But Brian always remembered everything I told him, even just the short anecdotes I mentioned in passing. Even after our class ended, when I'd... moreYou meet so many people all the time at CSU that it can be easy to forget names and things people have told you. But Brian always remembered everything I told him, even just the short anecdotes I mentioned in passing. Even after our class ended, when I'd run into him at Braiden, he wanted to talk and know how I was doing. He was so kind to everyone.
When registering for my key class I thought Leadership through URL (understanding, respect, and love) was a little strange, but I saw Brian's picture and thought he looked nice, so I took it and I'm glad I did. It wasn't about the leadership part though, I think Brian spread love to everyone, he made everyone feel welcomed and known. You could see his care and compassion for everyone, always. I'm glad to have gotten to know Brian, even in the short time frame, he was always so kind to me and he will be missed by so many. less
Brian, I love you and miss you so much, brother. From my first day at CSU, you embraced me and supported me. You helped me get involved and never stopped believing in me. At the time I was going through a tough period, but you were there to ask me,... moreBrian, I love you and miss you so much, brother. From my first day at CSU, you embraced me and supported me. You helped me get involved and never stopped believing in me. At the time I was going through a tough period, but you were there to ask me, “How does someone learn to love themselves?” You knew that’s what I needed to hear and that was the lesson I needed to learn.
Brian, I miss working with you. While you’ve been gone I’ve tried my best to keep a student-first attitude in my heart and approach. You taught me that: you showed me what it really means, and really looks like, to be deeply passionate about students and to be a fierce advocate. I’ve also tried to be much more easy going because you never let the world tell you how to act or be. You knew what love and respect meant. You held that deep in your heart and that’s how you lived your life everyday. Brian, I hope I’m doing right by you. You were the heart of Key, so we’re really missing your laugh, jokes, your bright light right now. I know you’re looking down on me, guiding me and teasing me because that’s how you showed me you loved me; that’s how you showed me that you knew I could do anything I put my mind to. I miss you. I love you. Rest in Power, B Hayes less