This weekend, the Mizzou Law Student Bar Association (SBA) hosted a sand volleyball tournament in memory of Steven Bailot, a Mizzou Law student who passed away last April. Students, faculty, friends and family gathered together to remember and celebrate Steven’s life in a way that reflected his bright and witty personality. The celebration and remembrance continued to the next day, where many members of the Mizzou Law community walked in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) “Out of the Darkness” Walk.
SBA was generously supported by the staff and management of the Deuce, who provided the volleyball courts for free, waived fees to set up the buffet, and waived the cost of referees. Additionally, the Mizzou Law Veterans Clinic and Phi Alpha Delta Lawson Chapter (PAD) both donated money toward food.
Lindsey Wilkerson, a 2L and Secretary of SBA and President of PAD, organized the event.
“Steven was such a great friend to many of us in the law school, and we wanted to create an event that anyone could feel welcomed to participate in,” she said. “Many of Steven’s family and friends were able to come together and celebrate his life this weekend.”
Prof. Amy Schmitz participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk.
“The Walk provided an important opportunity for us to come together in support of each other and in memory of Steven, who will always be remembered as an exceedingly respectful and kind person. He is greatly missed,” she said.
The following individuals donated under the AFSP in memory of Steven: Cindy and Jack Trout; Katie and Travis Wool; The Wilmesher Family; The Wilkerson Family; Doug Mann; Dean S. David Mitchell; Dean Lyrissa Lidsky; Prof. Wilson Freyermuth; Prof. Jayne Woods; Prof. Amy Schmitz; Jennifer McGarr; and Cindy Bassett. Together (plus the funds raised by students who participated in the volleyball tournament), more than $1,500 was raised for the AFSP under Steven’s name.
“This was the first time I’ve attended an Out-of-Darkness walk, and I did so to both honor Steven and support others who are dealing with similar struggles,” Prof. Jayne Woods, who participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk, said. “Steven was such a wonderful part of our class, especially when he would pipe up with a random zinger, making everyone laugh. I am grateful to all of the student organizations for pulling us together to honor Steven, and I hope that everyone in our law school community knows that we see you, we love you, and we support you.”
Losing someone in the Mizzou Law community has impacted many of those who call Hulston Hall home, but it is times such as this weekend that remind us that we are part of a community that cares for one another. Steven Bailot was a blessing to those who were able to meet him, and he is dearly missed.
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