Sydney Taylor remembered as passionate, fearless at Acadia convocation - CTV News

Sunday’s convocation ceremony at Acadia University was somber and poignant as students and faculty reflected on the loss of one of their own.

Sydney Taylor, who was set to graduate from the university in Wolfville, N.S., was remembered as a fearless young woman with a knack for music and an affinity to learn.

“She was the first to question the ideas of her professors or fellow students,” said Acadia University President Ray Ivany. “It didn’t matter. She was here to be engaged.”

Taylor, 21, died during a graduation trip to Cancun, Mexico last week.

Police said she suffered a serious brain injury after slipping and falling about ten metres from a second-storey balcony at the Hotel Gran Caribe. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Taylorwas originally from the United States but attended high school at Halifax Grammar in Halifax before completing four years at Acadia.

“Whether you were a friend of Sydney’s, a classmate, or someone who didn’t really know her, I think it’s fair to say her passing, in one way or another, has affected us all,” said Class Life President Rebecca Webster.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence for Taylor, whose parents were in the audience.

She graduated posthumously with honours in political science and sociology. Her diploma was presented to a family friend.

“I still remember the day that we met in my office and it was, wow, so intelligent, so passionate, so intense,” recalled Ivany. “Where I’m from in Cape Breton, we would have said ‘she’s full of beans.’”

Taylor’s musical talents were also remembered, as Student Union President Matthew Rios spoke of her love of performing.

“She was a crowd favourite whenever she sang, with a bar or coffee house quickly being silenced by that pure and beautiful voice,” said Rios. “I know I will remember Sydney for her love of life. I hope to honour her and her spirit.”

A memorial fund has been set up in Taylor’s name to help future students, while plans are in the works for a celebration of her life in June.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Plowman