Throughout April, we are sharing stories of Safe Driving Weeks held in memory of young people whose lives continue to inspire others. These campus events are especially meaningful because they are not only about raising awareness. They are also about remembering someone deeply loved and turning that remembrance into action that can help protect others on the road. With your support, chapters across the country are able to honor these lives in ways that bring students together and encourage safer choices.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, Phi Kappa Psi’s Colorado Alpha chapter holds its Safe Driving Week in memory of Connor Thomson. Since 2022, the chapter has honored Connor through this special tradition, using the week to bring students, families, and alumni together around a shared purpose.

Connor’s life was cut short in December 2020 in a car accident involving distracted driving, just two weeks before Christmas. He was only 20 years old. Those who knew Connor remember him for the way he lived: with compassion, generosity, and a rare ability to connect with others almost instantly.

Connor cared deeply about the people around him. He regularly helped members of the homeless community near CU’s campus and knew many of them by name. Serving others was not something he did once in a while. It was part of his daily life. He moved through the world with a sense of peace and kindness that stayed with people.

That spirit continues to lead this Safe Driving Week today. As brothers volunteer their time, speak with students, and invite their peers to sign a pledge not to drive distracted, they are doing more than hosting an event. They are honoring a life that still calls others to care more, give more, and make the world around them a little better each day.

Because of donor support, Safe Driving Weeks like this one continue to grow. Connor’s memory is being honored in a way that brings people together, starts important conversations, and encourages young drivers to make safer choices. That is what makes these weeks so special. They remember a life, and they help protect others.