Brandeis will dedicate a plaque to Mark Chopelas, who helped build the Village residence hall, and died in its construction. Brandeis students recognized Chopelas' importance to the community and wanted something to be done to commemorate his life and his sacrifice for the sake of the University. The Student Union granted $300 to "the creation of the Mark Chopelas Memorial Tree Site," as the amendment states.

Associate Vice President for Planning, Design and Construction Daniel Feldman said, "this project was initiated by the by the Student Union. Staff in the University's Office of Facilities Services and Office of Capital Projects worked with Adam Herman ('04) and Josh Brandfon to help them realize the students' admirable goal of memorializing Mark Chopelas with a tree planted in his memory and a plaque mounted on a stone at the base of this tree."

"The idea was conceived by Tali Kweller '06," Student Union President, Josh Brandfon '05 said. "And we followed this idea as a means of doing something 'from the students.' The process, actually, was a simple one. We contacted Vice President Feldman with a desire to take on this project, and the four of us listed above walked the Village site to find a tree. Finally, we secured the funding and authorized the expenditure of up to $600 by the University on the plaque."

Herman said, "Josh Brandfon informed me of student interest in remembering Mark Chopelas. His family had also expressed interest that we discovered through Tali Kweller's email after she interviewed his family."

Chopelas' family, who will be present at the dedication, was impressed by the students' sincere outreach and dedication.

"I know that the first story that was printed had a lot of quotes from people who were concerned and I saw that students expressed desire for a plaque," Mark's brother, Thomas Chopelas said.

"I saw that young people who didn't even know him wanted to do something to honor him," Thomas said. He only worked there for two months, but there will always be something to show him there. It was something that made my mother really happy when I told her."

"The hardest part is speaking with a mother who has lost one of her children," Thomas said. "While she will be always happy about this plaque, I know she will still be sad too.

"He had a million friends and I never met anyone who could make friends as easily as he could," Thomas said. "There were close to 1400 people at his wake. He was the kind of man who simply enjoyed a good time. He lived for barbeques and beaches."

A tree is a befitting dedication to such a gregarious and concerned person. Many classical sources considered the tree a symbol for life and vigor.

"The dedication makes my family feel very good," Thomas said. "I know that the tree will last for a long time and maybe even people will sit there in the spring.

"That's what he liked- spring with many people around. Everyone in the family likes the idea of the tree and the plaque."

"Personally, I hope this gesture of heartfelt caring on the part of our student body will bring at least some measure of comfort to Mark's family and to Brandeis students, faculty, and staff who were saddened by this tragic accident," Feldman said.