The parents of a college drum major who died after being hazed on a schoolbus last year marked the first anniversary of his death last night -unwilling to talk about their lawsuit against the university, but determined that their son didn't die in vain.

Pam Champion rarely gets emotional about her son, Robert, who died a year ago after being hazed by his fellow marching band members at Florida A&M University.

"I don't really speak about him because it's too emotional. But I miss him so much," she said haltingly, her eyes brimming with the tears that she has become accustomed to holding back for so long.

One year after Robert Champion's death, Pam and Robert Senior continue their court battle against FAMU. They have said they are offended at the university's offer of a $300,000 settlement - the most the school can offer without authorization from the Florida Legislature.

The Champions, who have already sat through one criminal proceeding, still have a dozen more to endure - trial for the FAMU band members accused of taking part in the hazing that resulted in Robert's death. After a year, Robert's mother admitted there is still a long way to go.

"It's not any easier," she said.

Monday night's memorial was a staid affair. About 100 people lit candles, watched an interpretive dance routine, listened to a jazz quartet and heard from both Pam and Robert Champion, Sr.

Both extolled the newly-created Robert D. Champion Drum Major For Change Foundation, aimed at rooting out hazing from schools, churches and universities nationwide.

"Our next generation should be at the root of why we need to change the mindset," Mrs. Champion told those at the memorial, "never to return to the dark, cold, secret world of hazing."