Heather Hall, a valued faculty member, was honored and remembered by the College of Charleston community on Friday through a vigil and a celebration of her life.
On September 19th, the College of Charleston Cistern Yard was packed with individuals who knew and loved Heather Hall, gathered to commemorate her life and the enduring impression she had on this community.
The college’s dean, Fran Welch, spoke at the vigil, expressing what Hall meant to the community.
“Her vivacious nature, infectious smile, enthusiasm, creativity, and multiple talents made us enjoy and appreciate her every day,” Dean Welch told me.
Friends, family, students, and coworkers filled the Cistern Yard, each offering their own remarks. Dean Welch observed that Hall, as an alumnus and special education faculty member, exemplified outstanding behavior for everyone.
Those who knew Hall said she exuded vitality, friendliness, and enthusiasm to everyone she encountered. Jacob Perlmutter, a longtime family friend, described her as the most cheerful person he had ever known.
“She always had a smile, always positive, she had a fierceness about her,” Perlmutter told me.
During the service, she was honored by community organizations she sponsored, including HEART, an inclusive arts community that teaches adults with special needs in the visual, musical, and performing arts. Hall’s daughter also performed the song she intended to surprise Hall with during her wedding.
Hall was a professor in the College of Charleston’s Department of Teacher Education, where she specialized in special education and literacy. Her classmates remember her enthusiasm for study and adventure.
Dean Welch noted that Hall was passionate about helping with people with special needs.
“She really wanted to get engaged with a particular organization, and HEART seemed to be the logical one because they worked a lot here on campus,” said Professor Welch.
Hall was one of 16 individuals died in a streetcar crash in Lisbon, Portugal, on September 3rd, while on her way to present at a conference.
Chandler Rennison, one of Hall’s long-time family friends and colleagues, noted that Hall inspired her to work in special education.
“One of her most significant successes was advocating for the idea that everyone has a purpose and deserves to be recognized and heard. “She accomplished this through special education services,” Rennison explained.
Many of Hall’s loved ones stated that the celebration was more than just honoring her today, but also about embracing her spirit every day in the future.
“It’s a constant reminder to make the most of this lovely life we have. That’s what she did. “She was so full of life and joy, and if I could do even 5% of what she did, it would be a huge accomplishment,” Rennison said.
The College of Charleston has established a scholarship fund in Heather Hall’s honor. Dean Welch revealed that prior to the disaster in Portugal, Hall had discussed with her the possibility of establishing a scholarship to allow students from low-income homes to study abroad.
“When this happened, several individuals approached me and said, ‘Now’s the time to do this.’ They did it. “This need-based scholarship will help students who would otherwise be unable to afford to study abroad,” stated Dean Welch.
