David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

Omar Lira, a 34-year-old student at Christian Brothers University (CBU), is pursuing a degree in civil engineering and construction management. Lira, who is often seen participating in campus activities or attending mass, stands out not only because of his age but also for his enthusiasm about being part of the CBU community.

Lira’s journey to CBU was shaped by personal responsibilities and setbacks. Fifteen years ago, he left Wooddale High School during his senior year to care for his newborn son, Isaiah. He followed his father into construction work and sought ways to advance in the field. After earning a GED and a diploma in construction and building maintenance from Remington College, he received encouragement from a friend to consider further education at CBU.

“When I came to check out the campus, I loved the sense of community,” Omar said. “That was one of the biggest things that got me here. I don’t want to just be a number. I want to be helped and assisted. I want to be loved and cared for as part of a community.”

Lira applied and was accepted for the spring 2025 semester. However, weeks before classes began, he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

“I was on my motorcycle,” said Omar. “The lady didn’t see me and knocked me off. I remember waking up in the hospital. I had a broken hand and a brain injury. I had landed on my knee cap, and it basically exploded. They said they could maybe put a rod in my leg, but the muscle was so damaged. Based on what I learned, I told them, ‘From what I know so far, I would like you to remove it.”’

During his recovery at Regional One Health, Admissions Counselor Gail Cotton visited him with CBU gear and support.

“Ms. Gail dropped everything and came to the hospital,” said Omar. “She put everything on pause, and I felt the care, love, and compassion from her. She was someone I had never met, and she gave me the Good Samaritan vibe.”

Cotton reassured Lira that he could still attend CBU and informed him about university services available for students with disabilities.

Now attending classes after only a one-semester delay, Lira is recognized on campus by both his crutches and his positive outlook.

“As someone who has lived in Memphis for 27 years, I’ve found, a lot of the time, you don’t find that sense of community in the city,” said Omar. “So, it surprised me to find community at CBU. Who would have thought? I thought maybe it no longer existed. Finding it here gives me hope.”

On September 9th, Lira is scheduled for his final prosthetic fitting with plans to try out for CBU’s track team next year.

“I could be dead,” he said. “The accident taught me to slow down; it taught me patience, self care, optimism, and resilience. Maybe I would not have learned those things without the accident.… For once in my life, I have options.”