(Photo Submitted to the Torch by Trey Teixeira)
Managing Editor: Sydney Cayer
Email: scayer@umassd.edu
Editor-in-Chief: Roxanne Hepburn
Email: rhebpurn@umassd.edu
On January 16th, 2024, the UMass Dartmouth community lost Flordan (Flo) Benson Bazile. Bazile was a sophomore attending the Charlton College of Business.
Bazile was very active on campus. He was a sprinter for the track team, where he became a decorated athlete, a member of the Haitian American Student Association (HASA), and a member of the Kompassion Dance Team as well as other organizations.
He was known as a kind and caring man. Bazile carried a spirit that burned brighter than everyone else in the room. His life will always be remembered through the impact he left on others during his time here.
On January 25th at 5 PM in the Campus Center Auditorium, a Celebration of Life was held to honor Bazile. During the memorial service, members of the UMassD community united with Bazile’s family and other loved ones to share beloved memories of the bright young man.
The event was led by UMassD’s Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Belonging, Dr. Kevin B. Hamilton.
After a brief introduction, Hamilton welcomed students Aisha V. Clark-Gordon and Zoi A. Burns to perform a rendition of “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith, accompanied by a slide show sharing photos and videos of Bazile. The slide show was composed by students Samuel Riley and Ruth Delhomme.
Friends and family members of Bazile were then invited to the stage to share words of remembrance.
First on the stage came Bazile’s high school track and field coaches, Isaiah Houtman and Jeremy Tilton. Both shared memories of Bazile before he was the star sprint runner he was known as at UMassD.
Cam Rodgers and other track and field team members at UMassD then took to the stage to share their part. Rodgers spoke of his time running against Bazile in high school and the growth of their friendship once they were reunited on the Corsair’s team. He emphasized that the team would be “running for Flo” because “Flo is running through us.”
Geneva Gilot of the Unity House’s Intercultural Student Advisory Council also shared her memories of Bazile on stage.
Sigma Phi Rho’s Percy Williams then spoke. He emphasized how Bazile was always “faithfully lifting others” and was “supportive effortlessly.”
Cape Verdean Student Association representatives Armani Rivas and Gevanya Sequeira were the following students to take the stage. Both shared memories of their time in the organization, highlighting how Bazile always had “all that sass,” according to Sequeira.
Elijah Paul-Estwick and other members of the Haitian Student Association’s Kompassion dance team then flooded the stage to share their time dancing with Bazile. Kompassion’s captain, Kamila Abdi, then joined them, sharing that “no words I can say can express how great Flo was.” Abdi relished their time together, recounting Bazile’s commitment to the team, revealing that Bazile was set to rise as the new captain once Abdi graduates.
Finally, Bazile’s family members, Florisme Bazile, Felisha Dessert, and an additional unnamed relative, took the stage to wrap up the words of remembrance. Bazile and Dessert shared their devoted love for their brother. They also urged students to seek help if they need emotional support.
Deacon Frank Lucca, the coordinator of UMassD’s Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and Dr. Hamilton then led a moment of silence, where students were invited to light electronic candles in tribute to Bazile.
For closing remarks, Dr. Moise SaintLouis, Assistant Dean and Director of the Frederick Douglass Unity House at UMassD, took the stage. SaintLouis urged the audience to “create a community of care,” with “spaces that are less judgmental and more accepting.”
In closing, SaintLouis emphasized that “we have the power to make it okay to ask for help.”
Bazile’s Celebration of Life was an event full of laughs, tears, and cherished memories. The greater UMassD community came together to mourn and urge others to value their lives and seek help when they are suffering.
Before the event was let out, Hamilton announced that another tribute event for Bazile will be held on the outdoor track in the spring when the weather permits it comfortably. The time and date for the follow-up event are still to be announced.
The Torch received numerous memories from those who loved Flo. They all express such love and admiration for him. We are grateful to be able to share these memories with you. We hope anyone who has the privilege of knowing Flo can find comfort and peace at this time.
“Flo was one of the first people that I got introduced to when I first moved in our freshman year & was in the same orientation group. Nothing but a soul filled with brightness & laughter! Rest in the sweetest peace, Flo. <3” – anonymous
“Flo was a kind and sweet soul. Any time I needed help with dance, he would help me in a heartbeat. He loved to make jokes and just see everyone happy. There’s no one on this earth that could replace Flo’s energy. I’m truly grateful to know him as a friend and someone who would always make me laugh!” – Angel Lee
“I would always sit in the lounge in LARTS doing homework, and Flo never failed to look down at me from the second floor and smile and wave at me and then would later text me hoping that I was okay because I was always by myself. He was such a pure, caring soul who never failed to make others smile, such as myself. I’ve known Flo since high school.” – Olivia Zak
“He was such a kind spirit, and it pains me to see him leave so soon. Rip Flo💔” – anonymous
“I had met Flo in Fall 2020, and he had always been an energetic and funny person. I remember at the time his TikTok profile was doing really well, and his TikTok name was “ohnoitsflo.” I would just love to call him that because of the play on words. He always made me laugh and had a playful vibe. I will miss you so much, Flo. Thank you for always making me laugh when we spoke.” – Geneva Gilot
“Always tenacious.” – anonymous
“I texted you asking if you were safe and it just saddens me to know that I will never ever get a reply back from you. You were loved and will always remain loved. Rest in perfect peace, Flo.” – Chrislie
“When I first got to the school, he was very nice and personable. He made me comfortable and excited to attend UMass Dartmouth.” – anonymous
“Flo was a friend who always lit up any room he walked into. He was unapologetically himself and was so loving and kind. He positively impacted us, especially in the FDUH. I’m so upset he had to leave us so soon. I pray for strength not only for his family and loved ones but the UMD community. His presence will surely be missed, but his spirit will live on.” – Shantalle Boateng
“I can remember when Pine Dale had a flood warning, and Flo and one of our friends came to my apartment to sleep over for the night. I woke up and fed the both of them breakfast, and we spent almost 3 hours just talking about our dreams and goals and how life was going. That is when I really got to know Flo as more than just a teammate. I believed in his dreams and his goals to be great in track and in life, and I was supportive every step of the way.” – Albert Michel
“Every moment spent with Flo was fun!! I loved how open and accepting he was toward me!! Every time we dance kompa for kompassion, we can never be serious. I love it because he will never fail to make me laugh! Genuinely, he was a Big brother to me!” – Francesca
“He was a kind soul, the most genuine person this earth can offer. And he treated everyone with respect.
Mobali ya vérité!
May you rest in peace Flordan.” – Sucré Tshikani
“Flo always knew how to make people laugh and brighten up the room. He would always give me a hug every time he saw me; he was truly just such a genuine soul. My favorite memories with Flo would be Kompassion dance team practices I was always so quiet, but he made me feel comfortable. He always would volunteer to dance with me when my partner wasn’t there. There wasn’t a room he was in that people weren’t laughing. He will truly be missed!” – Gaina Jean-Pierre
“Every time we would see Flo, we’d be filled with joy! He was the coolest and gave the best hugs. We’ve had so many laughs together I will never forget.” – Luisa
“Flo made me start working out and get strong; big shout out to him. He inspired me from how he transformed so I could also transform, be a better version of myself.” – anonymous
“Flo was an amazing and kindhearted man. I remember when he would come to Dunkin Donuts on campus, and I would make his drink, and he would always be happy and grateful for his drinks I made him. Flo always had a smile and made me laugh. He was always kind to me and made me feel like I was important. I have so much respect and love for him. I could see him dancing and laughing with the multicultural organizations.” – Sarina Da Rosa
“Me and Flo went to middle school together and worked long hours at Dominos, but where the memories truly were made was when he would help me model for my clothing brand. He was such a respectful, genuine nice person. He was always eager to work with me and was always down for whatever crazy photoshoots I wanted to get done. The time spent in my studio styling him, teaching him about my fashion, and introducing him to everything I do will never be forgotten. He supported me with everything I did and always would remind me that I’m doing great with my brand. Much love for that kid he didn’t deserve to go through anything he was going through.” – Trey Teixeira
“I remember Flo’s genuine smile and jovial expression at the Unity House and in the game room. He shined bright on the track with his teammates and among fellow members of the Haitian American Student Association.” – anonymous
“Flo, a cherished member of the CVSA dance team, brought boundless excitement and joy to our group. His vibrant personality, marked by sass, humor, and creativity, made each moment unforgettable. Flo loved to troll and held us captains accountable, reminding us to be punctual by calling us out when we were late to practice. His dedication and the time he invested in the team did not go unnoticed.
The practice atmosphere won’t be the same without him, without the radiance of his smile. In the time he spent with us, Flo left an indelible and positive impact. Losing him has left a void, a shocking reality we are grappling with. However, we choose to celebrate his life and carry forward the memories he etched into the spirit of our team. Flo’s legacy will forever be a part of us, and we honor him by continuing the journey he was so passionately a part of.” – Vanessa Garcia & Gevanya Sequeira
A GoFundMe has been made by Brianna Magnant, a fellow student at UMassD, to fund Bazile’s memorial services.
“As we navigate through this difficult time, we are reaching out for support to honor Flordan ‘FLO’ Bazile with a dignified and heartfelt farewell. We are seeking assistance to cover the funeral and memorial expenses, allowing us to give him the respectful farewell he deserves.
Flo touched the lives of many, and we are incredibly grateful for any contribution, big or small, to help us in this time of need. Your support will not only alleviate the financial burden but also provide comfort to his loved ones as we come together to celebrate his life and legacy.”
Please consider donating or sharing the fundraiser to spread the word.
If you are ever feeling down and you need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to call 988, the suicide hotline, to talk to someone. You can learn more about this at 988lifeline.org.
You are loved.
If you are looking for on-campus support, the Counseling Center can be reached at 508-999-8648 or by visiting their website here.
The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life provides confidential pastoral counseling and can be reached at 508-999-8872.