By Joel Hammond

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabiel Marquez, a December 2001 graduate of the University and a well-known alumnus by many on campus, was seriously injured last week in a multi-car accident in Springfield Township.

The 25-year-old was injured when his truck was struck by a car driven by a woman who had just minutes earlier been in another accident with a semi.

According to Sheila Brown, the Assistant Director of the Center for Multicultural affairs, Marquez was a very influential person during his stay on campus.

“The staff in the Center love Gabiel,” she said. “He has given tirelessly to help make our cultural programs successful since 1996. Even after he graduated in 2001, he continued to assist us in any way he could over the last year including serving as Master of Ceremonies, dancer, back-up singer and production assistant in the 2003 Dinner Theatre show with over 900 people in attendance.”

While on campus, he was involved in nearly too many organizations to list. He served as Latino Student Union president from 1997-1999, and founded both the Black Men of Vision and Latino Cultural Arts Committee. He was also an original member of the BGSU Africana Dance Troupe.

Most recently, Marquez went through his orientation in Chicago for his new job with Harbor Cruise Line.

Brown said that Marquez was cut out of the truck by the jaws of life, and had suffered injuries to his ribs, hip, femur and tibia, as well as damage to his brain.

The Center for Multicultural affairs has been working diligently to set up benefits for Marquez, and has the preliminary benefit set for Saturday from 12-4 p.m. in the McDonald Countryside room. It will be a spaghetti dinner. A second benefit is being planned for the first week in May, to be called “A Tribute to Gabiel.”

There has also been a fund set up at Key Bank to assist with medical costs. Donations can be made to the following bank account: CMAI benefit for Gabiel Marquez. Those donations can be made at any local Key Bank branch. Donations can also be made in or mailed to 424 Saddlemire.