Several students took time out of their Monday schedules to attend a candlelit memorial held in honor of the victims of the shooting at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
The memorial, which took place in the Student Union Theater, included a moment of silence and religiously diverse prayer readings.
Father Pat of the Newman Center opened the ceremony by addressing the connection between UB and NIU, as they are both communities of learning.
"I feel our connectedness at so many levels, with those five Northern Illinois Huskies and their killer," Father Pat said.
Mary Clare Fahey, a Student Life staff member, helped organize the event and believes the similarities between NIU and UB has brought a perpetual effect on the people here. Approximately 25 guests attended the service, but this number does not reflect those that are affected by the event, she said.
"You never know when tragedy is going to affect you or someone you love. I don't know any of the faculty, staff, or students at Northern Illinois. They are people just like me, working to educate the students, trying to learn something new. It is important to me to be in community with those folks today," she said.
Michael Wallace, a junior theatre major, sang "Let it Be" to close the ceremony.
Student Association (SA) executive board members also attended. SA President Peter Grollitsch believes that supporting the fellow Mid-American Conference (MAC) school is important. He said UB students should not be forced to change their lifestyles in response to this event, but instead be more alert.
"It could have easily been UB," he said. "Just to be cognizant of your surroundings, pay attention; don't be shy to report suspicious behavior. I don't think there is any reason to change your schedule or the way you do things."
Ribbons representing NIU's school colors were distributed in the Student Union. Signatures of condolences and encouragement were collected to be mailed to NIU. Six candles were lit in the Student Union representing the six victims of the Valentine's Day tragedy.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
