A candlelight vigil occurred at 8 p.m. on June 8 for Glenda Taylor, professor of art and chair of Washburn’s art department. She was killed on the morning of June 7 in a bicycle-truck accident.

The vigil was was in front of Washburn’s art department building. Friends and family, including Taylor’s husband, Joe Saia, were present. Also present was the Topeka cyclist community to show their respects. Students wrote their favorite memories on the sidewalk in front of the art building, and wrote thoughts and prayers on a poster board.

Soon after news of her passing, President Farley expressed his condolences in an email to faculty and staff on June 7:

“Faculty and staff:

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Glenda Taylor, professor of art and the chair of the Art Department at Washburn. She was killed in a bicycle accident while warming up to compete in the Kansas State Time Trial Championship. Her husband, Joe Saia, is a buyer in the Washburn Purchasing Department.

Professor Taylor came to Washburn in 1987 and taught ceramics, sculpture and art education. She held a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and Master of Arts Degree from Emporia State University and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Kansas State University. She received the Muriel Clark Student Life Award in 2013 for her outstanding work with individual students, student groups and organizations.

Taylor recently returned from an Art Department study abroad trip to Peru where she traveled the country with students, faculty and staff including her husband Joe. Information about memorials will be shared as it becomes available.”