A memorial service celebrating the life of Mupalia “Mupi” Wakhisi, a help desk technician at the University of Miami’s School of Communication, was held January 25 in Storer Auditorium.

Mupalia, of Cutler Bay, died in his sleep January 19 at the age of 30. He is survived by his parents, Tsitsi, an associate professor of professional practice at the School of Communication, and Francis Wakhisi; brothers Kofi and Wanakhavi; and sister Naliaka.

Mupalia worked in the School of Communication for more than seven years, helping countless faculty, students, and staff. He was particularly active in the school’s annual High School Journalism Workshop, serving as a mentor to young journalism students, said Tom Ortiz, director of technical operations and engineering. “Mupi was a very special guy, very giving,” Ortiz said. “He was a great colleague and we will miss him.”

A self-taught musician, composer, and visual artist, Mupalia had an abiding passion for the arts. He received a bachelor of fine arts from Cornell University, where he was inducted into the prestigious Quill and Dagger Senior Honor Society.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mupalia Wakhisi Memorial Fund to support the High School Journalism Workshop program at the University of Miami School of Communication. Please send donations to: Mupalia Wakhisi Memorial Fund, University of Miami, P.O. Box 248053, Coral Gables, FL 33124.