By: Eliana Morales
On the evening of Oct. 18, the office of President Ken Shaw sent an email to students and staff announcing the death of Wizan “Wiz” Sebulburo, a student at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. Sebulburo was also a former Southern student from 2019-2021, according to Yosemy Chavez, a Southern alumna and friend of his.
An article from Southwestern stated Sebulburo was a radio, TV and film emphasis major at the time of his death.
“His videos were frequently featured on campus and social media, and he served as the Student Association Public Relations Director, where he used his talents to uplift and connect others,” the article read.
The email from Shaw stated that Sebulburo died last Friday evening in the Chattanooga area. According to the Southwestern article, his death occurred while he was swimming.
The article also included the following statement from Southwestern’s president, Ana Patterson:
‘“Wiz was a bright light on our campus…. He had a deep love for God and a remarkable gift for creativity. His joyful presence, kindness and leadership made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Sebulburo family and all who are grieving this tremendous loss.”’
Shaw’s email stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Southwestern Adventist University community. May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, be with every friend, classmate and family member who is grieving.”
Norelie Cabrera, a junior health science major at Southern, was close friends with Sebulburo.
“Wiz was a quiet soul when I met him,” she said. “Kind of shy, but polite. We soon became close friends and shared many memories in the years to follow. His presence was palpable to those that knew him. May he rest in heavenly peace.”
Zeimaliz Morales-Burgos, a staff member at Southwestern, met Sebulburo when she first started working there. She said after Sebulburo noticed her crying at her desk on one occasion, he began showing up at her office every day.
“He would bring me a snack or candy to make me feel better,” she told the Accent. “We continued developing a very nice relationship where I felt like he was just bringing back joy.
“He felt like a son to me,” she continued. “He would always use a Bible verse to reassure me that everything was going to be okay, or he would just make a joke or bring something positive to make my day feel better. It was just a blessing.”
Chavez shared what she believed people should know about Sebulburo.
“He was one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” she said. “He always managed to find the good in things, no matter how bad things were. He was the most talented and Jesus-loving person I knew. Whenever something bad happened, he would always tell me, ‘It’s in God’s hands.’ I don’t understand why God took him so early, and I don’t think I ever will—but as he always told me, it’s in God’s hands.”
Jasper Delim, a staff member at Southwestern, grew up with Sebulburo.
“One of the things I loved so much about Wiz is that he was very intentional, and he really cared deeply about people,” he told the Accent. “He was checking up on people, making sure they were okay even when he was hurting. He was very much an older brother to many of the Filipino kids back in my own church. I miss him very much and I love him so much. I hope that the world gets to know him more through our stories we tell about him.”
