Bench unveiled in honor of deceased former Student Government chief justice

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FAU’s current Chief of Justice holds the honorary gavel and wears the court dress that was donated to FAU. Sabrina Martinez | Creative Director

Gregory Cox, Staff Writer
March 17, 2015

After a long battle with Crohn’s disease, Jason Blinder passed away on June 15, 2013 at the age of 29, but not without leaving a lasting memory. Blinder was a chief justice within Student Government in 2006-2007.

“He completely restructured the SG court system, and achieved the goal of having a student from every campus represented in the court,” said Marni Sherman, a close friend of Blinder.

This gavel is inscribed with Jason Blender’s name and previous position and will be used by the current chief justice. Sabrina Martinez | Creative Director
This gavel is inscribed with Jason Blender’s name and previous position and will be used by the current chief justice. Sabrina Martinez | Creative Director

The Boca Raton Student Government passed a bill on Friday, March 13, in order to hold a public ceremony outside the Student Government House Chambers on the Boca Raton campus.

The event was held on Monday, at 5:30 p.m., dedicating a bench with a plaque, gavel and three court dresses to FAU.

“We will remember the spirit, his soul, and dedication to Florida Atlantic University and Student Government” said Terry Mena, the associate dean of students at the ceremony.

Jason’s mom shows her gratitude for all those who helped the memorial take place and thanks everyone there for showing her, that her son touched the lives of many. Sabrina Martinez | Creative Director
Jason’s mom shows her gratitude for all those who helped the memorial take place and thanks everyone there for showing her, that her son touched the lives of many. Sabrina Martinez | Creative Director

“Although I did not have the honor to meet Jason, today I feel that I did … there is a saying … that if you meet someone’s parents, you meet their son or daughter, and today I had the great pleasure and honor to meet Jason’s parents,” said Michael Cepeda, the student body president.

Blinder’s parents and siblings attended, as did his rabbi and Dr. Corey King, the vice president of Student Affairs. Other members of Student Government were happy to be able to help honor Blinder.

“Personally, I am glad to have been a small part of this event honoring the memory of someone who had such an impact on SG,” said Chris Ferreira, the Boca campus governor-elect. “For me, in order to understand where we are at today, it is important to look back on those who are before us.”