I sang in the bass section with Cyrus at the University of Iowa. He was always so nice to me, complimenting my sweaters, and made me feel welcome and part of the section. He was such a connector and was instrumental and making our secret Santa gift exchange happen this month. We were better because of him!

I sang with Cyrus in the University of Iowa Choir for Handel's Messiah. Even during our difficult rehearsals and the pressures of performing, his compassion and humor were unwavering and his talent shone bright. I remember he came into my work once, and I remember his smile turn up slowly as we recognized each other from afar.

University Choir, his classmates, and I, will sorely miss him next semester and beyond.