On Sunday May 22, 2016 the Texas State University community was staggered by the sudden passing of their very own Jeremy O. Torres. A partial head-on collision in Georgetown, Texas led to a fatal car accident that instantly took the life of 42-year-old beloved friend, mentor, and colleague to hundreds.
Jeremy, fondly remembered as the backbone of the Texas State Theatre Department, graduated from the university twice with both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Pre-professional Directing and a masters degree in Theatre History and Criticism. He became a full-time faculty member in the fall of 2014, serving as the head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Production. The program is a unique degree plan designed for students and artists to achieve a well-rounded theatre degree, creating a sense of respect for both sides of the stage. Jeremy encouraged his students to study all backgrounds of theatre, not solely through performing, but also through directing, writing, stage management, film and technical theatre.
It is now our job to honor the colassal impact Jeremy had on this community of artists.
Through my experience as a student of the Texas State Theatre Department, I have seen Jeremy quite literally change lives. Enriching students not only as artists, but as individuals, Jeremy constantly inspired his students to achieve bigger, work harder, and challenge themselves do something they may have never dared to dream. I have come home after a long day of classes to fond conversations of Jeremy's brilliance, his passion for his craft, and his innate ability to make others feel as though they always had a friend to go to.
Jeremy did everything in love. What would the world look like today if we all learned to live this way?
Over the week of his passing, former students and colleagues shared a plethora of memories, photos and stories through social media in lieu of Jeremy's memory. Students felt inspired to create their own art, as well, by writing songs, designing videos, and sketching photos in tribute to his fearless artistry.
Department chair of Texas State Theatre and Dance, Deb Alley, wrote on Jeremy's behalf.
"He was the champion of all students; a truly extraordinary teacher and mentor who inspired everyone who came in contact with him to reach higher and go further. He was a passionate and imaginative artist who believed that theatre spoke best when it came from the heart and whose productions were a testament to the power of creativity. But most of all, Jeremy was a sensitive and kind human being whose generosity knew no bounds. So many have been changed forever - made better and stronger - by knowing Jeremy. It is impossible for me to imagine the department and the world without him. His spirit will always live with us, but his laughter and love will be missed terribly."
Loved ones gathered for the funeral service held on Wednesday May 25, 2016, sharing laughter, tears, and song to embrace in his memory.
Most argue that Jeremy left a legacy behind that we must continue to articulate:
"Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other."
Love and Thanks, Jeremy.
#JeremysArmy
