We were deeply saddened and in utter shock at the passing of PhD Candidate Samira Xhaferi and Law Student Albi Çela. Both were immigrants from Albania with ambitions that rival the most eager profiles in courage.
Albi Çela was more than a law student. He was a force for change. In Europe he advocated for free and fair elections in Albania and Albanian accession into the European Union. In the states he worked at the international center of not-for-profit law advocating for a HUMAN right, world wide for press freedom and freedom of assembly. In Cleveland he was pursuing his JD and balanced a platform called Rule of Law Albania dedicated to CONTINUING his mission of free and fair elections in Albania. Albi spent his time studying, as most law students do but he also was dedicated to supporting Samira and his friends; Always making sure he had time to enjoy life with those he cared about the most.
Samira Xhaferi, a PhD Candidate in Dr. Jackson Taylor’s Laboratory, received the Genetics Society of America Poster Award at the 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, held in San Diego, CA on March 19-25. The title of Samira’s poster was: “Exploring the role of Sirt6 in neurodegeneration and the healthy aging brain.” Dr. Taylor believes Samira to be one of her best students. Samira spent her time outside the lab brightening everyone’s lives with her Harry Potter knowledge, funny quips, or finding the best way for GPSA or SGA to impact the most student’s lives.
Both Samira and Albi will be deeply missed. This organization will miss their active support. If anyone has gone to one of our organization’s election night parties - Samira and Albi were there, cheering on the good guys.
They dedicated their very short lives to helping people. To making their lives better one slow research day or legal memo at a time.
We are filled with joy watching our Campus Community come together over such a tragic loss. CSU will not be the same without them. If your life was touched by Albi or Samira or if you didn’t know them at all we are here for you. If there is anything our organization can do to help you grieve - please don’t hesitate to reach out. Community is one of the pillars of our organization and without it, we all fall down.
In light of their commitment to our student body, our Cleveland community, and beyond - We are excited to name our Advancing of Democracy Award after these two prime examples of what it means to be a CSU Viking.
The Xhaferi-Çela Award for Advancing Democracy will be given each year to at least 1 but no more than 3 recipients. Nominees will be notified of the decision no later than December 1st each year.
2025 Award Recipients
Cleveland City Council
Cuyahoga County Executive
Rebecca Maurer - Cleveland City Councilmember
Chris Ronyane - Cuyahoga County Executive
Angel Washington - Campaign Consultant
Joe Bilas - President of the Democrats of John Carroll
Andrew DeFratis- Executive Director of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Michael Donnelly - Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Erin Fisher - Campaign Finance Consultant
November, 2025 - Our organization had the priviledge and the honor to remember Samira and Albi with Memorium resolutions at the CSU SGA Senate. President Cael Shaw was joined by VP John Kutney, Secretary T Wyatt, former memebers Joe Nappi, and Michael Eadie, and former member of SGA Markus Simicak in commemorating the lives and acadmeic achievements of our late friends Albi and Samira. Our organization has also been able to secure letters of condolence from the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives.
From State Senate Minority Leader Nickie Atonio to the Families and Friends of Samira Xhaferi
From State Senate Minorit Leader Nickie Antonio to the Families nd friends of Albi Çela
From State Representative Terrence Upchurch to the Families and Friends of Samira Xhaferi
From State Representative terrence Upchurch to the Families and Friends of Albi Çela
November 17th, 2025 - Our organization had the ability to achieve condolence resolutions honoring the lives of Samira and Albi. City hall offered a moment of silence on behalf of the two, forever instilling their legacy in the record of Cleveland City Hall.