The memory of the hazing death of Southeast Missouri State student Michael Davis ignited deep-rooted emotions, eloquent tributes and the reminder of harsh consequences during a memorial ceremony at Rose Theater Wednesday.

Tamara Zellars, who dreamed of teaming up with Davis as co-editor of the student newspaper, the Capaha Arrow, fought back tears as she delivered a moving speech about the loss of a former co-worker and friend who was killed by members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Feb. 15, 1994.

"Michael and I talked about the paper as if it were our newspaper," Zellars said, the difficult moment underscored by a quivering voice.

"Now that I am editor today, I am left with a much different feeling," she said, adding that it is still difficult for her to go to class, look at an empty seat and not feel the pain of Davis' death.

The parties they used to attend together would never be the same without him. "He had a funny kind of dance and a special kind of laugh that made him who he was: an exceptional and caring human being."

Zellars said having to write a story about Davis' death a year ago tested her strength when she was called upon to function as a reporter during such an emotional ordeal.

She said she will be tested once again when she works on a four-page Capaha Arrow section that will be dedicated to his memory. "It's not going to be easy, but none of this is," Zellars said.

Almetrise Lane, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, said the consequences of Davis' death can be felt in varying degrees. "No one will ever let us forget what happened," Lane said. "We don't want to forget what a special person Michael was, but we are reminded of what happened whenever the topic of hazing comes up. If anything good could come from this, I guess it would be that now so many people realize what can happen when hazing is carried to an extreme."

Lane said she has seen Southeast Missouri State mentioned in national publications that address the issue of hazing. The national attention has created some permanent scars. "I personally think what happened has affected the way people look at black Greeks here," Lane said. "Our sorority has probably lost people who would otherwise like to pledge because they think hazing goes on here."

Lane, who joined Delta Sigma Theta last year, said her sorority does not allow hazing. "It's not allowed in our sorority and I am adamantly against it," she said. "Unfortunately, because of what happened, the black Greeks are under close scrutiny. We're walking on eggshells because we know that everyone is watching every little thing we do. It's not fair."

Derek Hudson, who was Southeast student government president in 1992-93 and is now an admissions counselor at the school, opened and closed the ceremony, which was attended by about 20 students. Southeast Missouri State faculty members Dr. Sue Ann Strom and Roy Keller also attended. Strom is vice president for student affairs and Keller is faculty adviser for the Capaha Arrow and mass communications professor.

The Delta Sigma Theta and Phi Beta Sigma sororities dedicated trees, to be planted on campus, in memory of Davis. The Pan Hellenic Council dedicated a concrete bench, which will be located on campus, and Alpha Kappa Alpha donated money to be used for the Michael Davis Scholarship fund.

Jared Ramsey, president of the interfraternity council, announced that a tree and plaque would be dedicated in Davis' honor.