Le Moyne Establishes Memorial Reflection Garden and the Gia and Gavin Myers Award

In the wake of profound loss within the Le Moyne College community, the College has established a memorial reflection garden near the Panasci Family Chapel to honor the memory of those we have lost. This space will serve as a place of solace, reflection and remembrance, ensuring that the legacies of our beloved community members continue to inspire future generations.

The garden will include a memorial tree and plaque dedicated to Gia and Gavin Myers, the children of Gina Myers, Ph.D., R.N., a faculty member in the Department of Nursing and former director of the Ed.D. in Executive Leadership program. Gia and Gavin, who were tragically lost in a car accident in January 2025, were exceptional students and deeply engaged members of their community. Gia, a National Honor Society member, excelled academically, while Gavin showcased his talents through math and science olympiads and multiple Scholastic Art Awards. Both were involved in sports, music and theater and worked at Wegmans. Most importantly, they were known for their kindness, strong bond and unwavering commitment to their family, friends and community.

In addition to honoring Gia and Gavin, the memorial reflection garden will also pay tribute to recently lost Professor Emeriti Stephen Fleury ’75 and Karel Blakeley, whose dedication to scholarship, mentorship and service profoundly shaped the Le Moyne community. Their impact on students, colleagues and the College’s mission of education, service, and creativity will forever be remembered.

To further celebrate the lives of Gia and Gavin, Le Moyne has also established the Gia and Gavin Myers Award, which will recognize a student in the Purcell School of Professional Studies who exemplifies the qualities they embodied: outstanding academic achievement, leadership, participation in extracurricular activities and a commitment to service that promotes a more just society.

The College invites members of the community to join in honoring the legacies of those we have lost. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made to the memorial reflection garden fund at this link. Together, let us remember, honor and celebrate the lives of those who have left an indelible mark on the Le Moyne community.