Senior Benjamin J. Mohla from Wakefield, Mass., died in an automobile accident in Randolph, Vt. on Nov. 23.
Ben was a student in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, where he majored in Environmental Sciences.
He was also an active leader in the “Living Place Design Competition,” a collaboration between the Greenhouse Residential Learning Community Program and the Rubenstein School, an e-mail from Annie Stevens, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, said.
“Ben was so full of life and kept the attitude light and fun in our Environmental Science lab group this semester. He [was] genuinely excited about life in general,” Emily Wiggans said.
His contributions bettered the environment and demonstrated his commitment to making a positive difference.
A 2010 graduate of Wakefield High School, Ben enjoyed playing the trumpet in jazz band throughout his high school years, according to his obituary.
From running track and field to playing the lead role in the high school’s performance of “The Wedding Singer,” Ben proved to be a man of many talents.
“Ben was a kid with a heart of gold,” friend Rachel Jones said.
He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Maryjane Welsh Mohla, along with his sister, Casey Mohla.
“Ben was the best brother ever. He was always there for me and help[ed] me through thick and thin,” Casey said. “He will be missed terribly and will continue on in everyone’s hearts. He touched the lives of more people than imaginable”
Services were held at the McDonald Funeral Home on Nov. 27 in Wakefield, followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Church in Wakefield that day.
A campus gathering of remembrance will be held for members of the UVM campus community this week. More information will follow as it becomes available.
In lieu of flowers, Ben’s family requests that contributions be made to the Benjamin J. Mohla Scholarship Fund c/o The Wake?Âeld Citizens Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 321, Wake?Âeld, MA 01880.
If people are in need of additional support contact Counseling and Psychiatry Services at (802) 656-3340 for student support or the Wellness Corporation at 1-800-361-5527 for employee support.
