The recently remodeled Career Resource Library in 259 Capen Hall was filled to capacity Tuesday afternoon as the Office of Career Services dedicated the new facility in memory of Brent D. Arcangel, a graduate student and career counselor who passed away over the summer.
Arcangel, who first came to UB as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2001 and continued to serve the university when he was hired as a full time career counselor, died in a car accident just outside of Binghamton on July 13, 2003.
Tuesday afternoon it was clear that despite Arcangel's death, the effects of his time here are still being felt throughout the UB community.
Family, friends and UB community members who came to show their respect for Brent and their support for the Arcangel family lined the newly equipped and furnished facility elbow to elbow for the dedication ceremony.
As students, faculty members, and other figures in Brent's life came forward to share their feelings, an intimate atmosphere filled the room.
Jim Horbowitz, a family friend, echoed the sentiments of others present at the event.
"I'm thoroughly taken aback by the outpouring of support for Brent," he said.
The most emotional part of the dedication came when Brent's father, Wayne Arcangel, stepped forward with a few words. As he shared memories of his son, tears welled in the eyes of his audience.
"As you can imagine, this has been a most difficult time for my wife and myself," Wayne said.
He went on to say that thanks to the new facility, Brent's memory would not be forgotten.
"This library, named after Brent, will always have its Arcangel," he said.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dennis Black served as a guest speaker at the event.
"All lives are not uniform," said Black. "The time individuals spend on our earth is not the same. But they are all full, they are all complete, and they all make our lives complete. They make our lives remarkable."
Arcangel was captain of his high school soccer team, won first place in a statewide interviewing competition and completed his Masters degree in higher education.
Prior to the accident, Brent was an aide to Congressman Tom Reynolds (R-Clarence).
Following the speakers, Black and the Arcangel family gathered around a blue velvet curtain for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, which will be displayed on the library's wall.
The Arcangel family funded much of the library's renovation. In addition to the dedication, a scholarship has been established at Brent's high school in Hamburg, and a memorial fund has been created in his honor, care of the Buffalo-based Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company.
According to Director of Career Planning and Development Dan Ryan, the new facility will provide a valuable resource for UB students preparing to enter into the workforce.
"This was a moving event," said Ryan. "Brent touched a lot of students. This memorial will keep his memory alive, and also serve many students in the future."
Several of the tools available for students in the Brent D. Arcangel Career Resource Library include books and online resources that can be accessed by the library's several computers and tools used to sign up for campus interviews. There is also an on-site counselor to assist students with their needs.
According to Ryan, the library will enable the Career Services Office to more thoroughly aid the students in their transition to the working world, and at the same time it will stand as a reminder of a young man who had a strong interest in the field and a powerful impact on those with whom he worked.
As one of Brent's friends and co-workers, Ryan remembered him fondly.
"He was an amazing, warm and outgoing, terrific young man," said Ryan. "He was just one of those guys who are universally liked."
