Memorial Service for Chris Salazar Thursday, November 17 at 7pm Kay Spiritual Life Center
Chris Salazar, a member of AU's class of 2005, died last night after losing his balance and falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment around 1:50 a.m. Sunday morning, according to police.
Salazar was president of his class and was very active on campus. He was an AU cheerleader and served as a resident assistant in McDowell Hall.
"Chris was my RA during my sophomore year here," said Rebecca Krichinsky, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. "I am an RA now because of him. He wrote me a great recommendation and now I have one of the greatest jobs thanks to him."
According to Krichinsky, Salazar helped her through the death of one of her friends, who died of alcohol poisoning.
"Chris helped me through it and helped me realize that my friend did all he needed to do while he was here," Krichinsky said.
Aviva Perlman, a senior in the School of Communication, knew Salazar through his work with the residence hall staff of McDowell Hall.
"I could always expect a friendly wave and a cheerful, 'Hey, Aviva!' or, 'What's up, Aviva!' whenever I passed him somewhere on campus," Perlman said.
Kyle Taylor, president of the Student Government, remembers Salazar as a very passionate person.
"He was an advocate for social justice, especially gay rights," Taylor said. "He will truly be missed."
Joe Gallina, a senior in the School of Public Affairs, knew Salazar through Student Government.
"The AU community has suffered a tremendous loss with the loss of Chris," Gallina said. "He was AU's shining star and a leader, activist and friend, and will be deeply missed by his peers."
Gallina and his roommate Moamar Tidjani-Dourdjaye, a member of the class of 2005, remembered how they always saw Salazar in the halls.
"He always was so happy and in such a good mood," Gallina said. "He was always smiling and trying to cheer people up."
Julie Weber, executive director for housing and dining, knew Salazar through his work as an RA.
"I am happy to say he was a terrific member of the AU community," Weber said. "He stayed committed to the student body even after he graduated."
Emily Fuller, a member of the class of 2005, was one of Salazar's oldest friends at AU.
"He was his own person," Fuller said. "He taught me to be myself no matter what the consequences because being true to yourself is the only way to live."
According to Fuller, she and her friends spent the day remembering their stories about Salazar.
"The memories I have about him will be some of the best memories of my life," Fuller said. The funeral will be held in his hometown of Sante Fe, N.M.
