Mercer’s Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity held a vigil on Sunday night to remember the life of Mason Sells, who died on Monday, Sept. 23 after collapsing while playing in an intramural soccer match.
Among the crowd of about 250 students, Sells’ family, President Bill Underwood and Dean of Students Doug Pearson were in attendance. The opening remarks were made by University Minister Craig McMahan.
“Strength in the power of your presence is so important. Important to family, important to one another, we make it through these difficult times not alone but together,” McMahan said. “Tonight, we have each other.”
During the vigil, members of ATO spoke about the legacy of Sells and his impact on the campus. Tate Whitfield ‘24, who was Sells’ mentor in ATO, offered his appraisal of Sells’ character before thanking the Sells family for raising “a smart, kind, loving and honest man who was incredibly loved.”
“He was driven by a strong sense of self, he knew who he was, he knew who he wanted to be and he never wavered from it,” Whitfield said.
“Find comfort in the love Mason had for you. Find happiness in the memories in the times you spent with him. Live for him, live like him, and to paraphrase Mr. Scott Sells, be rockstar made,” Whitfield added.
ATO President Jacob Woods ‘25 also addressed Sells’ parents, Scott and Rachael Sells.
“It is no wonder Mason was the man he was,” Woods said. “I have never been more impressed by two people’s strengths and endurance than you. There is no textbook or protocol on how to deal with this, and to Scott especially, I hope, one day, that I can have the composure and grace that you carry yourself with.”
Woods recalled how, as Sells was learning the ropes of being ATO’s T-shirt chairman, Sells called on Woods to pass on wisdom from Woods’ time in that same position. There were “creative differences” at times between the two, Woods said with a laugh, but, “I saw him put in the work to be able to excel at this position. He didn’t do it because he had a passion for graphic design or T-shirts, no, he did it because of the evident love that he had for his brothers.”
As the night went on, ATO invited the Sells family to the stage to light a candle in memory of their son. In the latter part of the ceremony, Sells’ father, Scott, spoke, acknowledging that while everyone had gathered to honor Sells’ life, it was also a moment to celebrate. Sells would have turned 21 on Sunday.
“I’m gonna sing a song that shocks my wife, but today is Mason’s 21st birthday, and I know he’s never had a drink before in his life, but I do know he likes ‘Twea,’” Scott said. “I have one in my back pocket. I’m gonna take a sip and pour out a sip, and we’re gonna sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to my boy.”
As Scott and those gathered at the vigil began to sing “Happy Birthday” to Sells, he pulled out a drink in his son’s honor and poured it in remembrance.
To end the night family, friends and attendees lit candles in remembrance of Sells. In a show of just how many people were there to remember Sells and support his family, the number of people who showed up to the vigil outnumbered the candles available.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Counseling and Psychological Services at (478) 301-2862, or visit their website to schedule an initial or returning appointment.
Gabriel Kopp '26 is majoring in Journalism and Law and Public Policy at Mercer University. He has written for The Cluster since he started at Mercer, and currently works as co-Editor-in-Chief. When he isn't studying, he enjoys going for runs and reading The New York Times or the AJC while sipping coffee.
Alisha Mitchell '26 is majoring in Journalism and Political Science at Mercer University. She is a part of the Student Government Association and works for Mercer’s Undergraduate Admissions office. Alisha is highly involved on campus and loves writing for The Cluster. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys sitting outside in nature or thrifting with friends.
