This video titled, "Michael Foreman Tribute," was held on Young Commons on April 11, 2008. The university community was deeply saddened by the tragic death of student Sophomore James Michael Elzar Foreman. Michael was hit by a Norfolk Southern Railway train on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 as it was traveling to Linwood, North Carolina, from Chocowinity, North Carolina through the intersection of Oak Avenue and Trollinger Avenue at about 5:40 p.m. in Elon, North Carolina. Michael was recognized on the dean's list that fall and was majoring in communications. He was from Raleigh, North Carolina. A year later, in 2008, Michael"s life was celebrated by faculty members, friends, and staff. Victor (Vic) Costello spoke of three impressions of Michael that included: Michael"s smile, Michael"s joyful spirit, and Michael"s ability to put people at ease. Costello continued speaking of Michael"s ability for teaching Costello technology and rarely missing Costello"s 8am class. Costello spoke of one of his video projects in his classroom where Michael selected a poem and brilliantly video recorded all night and edited a beautiful piece. The poem was titled, "Beauty of the Night." Costello read the poem. Lee Allan (unknown last name) spoke about his friendship with Michael. "Mrs. Margaret Foreman has worked to keep Michael"s memory alive during the last year," stated Lee. Also Lee stated, "Michael was always working to help other people. This was peaceful for Michael." An international student, Matt (unknown last name) spoke of Michael"s smile. This student shared the memories of Michael which began on his first day at Elon. The meeting took place after an 8a.m. class and Matt was trying to obtain a package of M & M"s from the vending machine. Matt had technical difficulties where the vending machine did not take "my dollar." Then "Big Mike" scooped in with a fresh dollar and he put the dollar into the machine. Matt stated, "I tried giving Michael my dollar and he did not take it." Michael"s generosity inspired so many hearts and minds, as it did with Matt. Matt stated, "From that day, Michael quickly became a good friend to me." Matt tells of a story of the two of them ordering a pizza. The pizza arrived with mushrooms and Matt did not like mushrooms (Michael did like mushrooms on his pizza). Michael stood outside and removed every mushroom from the pizza. Matt and Michael also watched Matt"s first snow fall. Michael had excitement for everything in life. An unknown named woman paid tribute to Michael. She said, "Michael taught her a lot of lessons of life and shared the love of Michael"s passion." Tyron Melton said, "Behind every strong man must be a strong a woman, Mrs. Foreman." He spoke of the 2008 elections of a diverse people. He stated, "We need to embrace all diverse messages." Mrs. Foreman"s unknown name colleague spoke. This colleague graduated from Elon College in 1989. This colleague reflected on how special Elon was to him and Michael. Mrs. Foreman spoke. She stated, "There are no words in my heart to express to this university and how Elon has supported me and Michael"s life." Mrs. Foreman talked about how Michael taught other communications students. She stated, "She was thankful to have had Michael in her life as a mom. Michael was a person who loved people." In the ceremony, the people released butterflies. The graphic read, "Michael will be remembered for his friendliness, spirituality, and generous conduct towards others. Michael was affected by Bi-Polar Disorder for the latter part of his life and had been given medical leave from school. Mrs. Foreman hopes that she can help change the stigma associated with Bi-Polar Disorder in Michael"s remembrance. The tribute ended with a photo of Michael- smiling and a graphic that read: James Michael Foreman, October 21, 1987 " April 11, 2007.