Dr. Almir Olimpio Alves, a visiting assistant professor to Binghamton University from Brazil, could read and write English, but always had the desire to learn to speak fluently so he could tell his stories.

Alves, 43, joined BU’s mathematical sciences department in September 2008, after receiving his doctorate in mathematics from the Federal University of Pernambuco in 2003. While at BU, Alves collaborated with Professor Pedro Ontaneda on common research projects in the general area of topology, a branch of geometry.

According to a memorial for Alves on the BU mathematics department’s Web site, he chose to take classes at the American Civic Association since it was located only five blocks from his apartment.

“He was amazed at the diversity that he found there [the American Civic Association] for the first time in his life,” Ontaneda wrote in the memorial for Alves. “People from very different backgrounds and cultures were all in one place trying to communicate. This was something new and wonderful for him.”

Alves’ stay at BU would have ended August 31.

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Li Guo, 47, arrived at BU from Shenzhen University in northern Hong Kong, China, in June 2008 to spend a year as a visiting research scholar.

While at BU, Guo was developing an exchange program between BU and Shenzhen University.

“Li started taking classes at the ACA as soon as she arrived in Binghamton,” said Thomas Sinclair, an associate professor and department chair for the department of public administration. “One of her objectives was to improve her English. I know she developed some real friendships among her classmates; she would never miss a class.”

Li was very interested in learning more about the way we teach in the United States and at BU, Sinclair said.

“Li was a wonderful, strong woman who joyously embraced the opportunities she found in Binghamton,” Patricia Ingraham, dean of the college of community and public affairs, said at a vigil held on Tuesday night. “Li’s smile — you have to know this about her — Li’s smile could light up the sky.”

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Layla Khalil, 57, the mother of a recent Fulbright Scholar graduate at BU, attended English classes at the American Civic Association after arriving in Binghamton nine months ago with her husband and two of her three children.

Khalil and her family left Iraq after surviving the two Gulf Wars and three car bombings. After leaving Iraq, the family moved to Jordan, then Binghamton.

“They were very happy that they were finally in a peaceful community and left all the violence behind in Iraq,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, president of the Islamic organization of the Southern Tier.

In Iraq, Khalil worked as a librarian and always enjoyed learning the English language. According to Siddiqui, Khalil loved going to the center to learn English and interact with the people in her new neighborhood. She wanted to settle as a librarian or a teacher here.