By: Megan Clark Campus Life Editor
The candlelight vigil for the victims of the Umpqua Community College shooting was held in the Grove at Western Oregon University last Saturday, and saw around 60 people in attendance.
Attendees assembled and formed a circle and each was given a candle to light in remembrance. Two leaders of the vigil, Rebecca Strader, a pastor at Christ’s Church in Monmouth, and Jill Mayer, the program director of Western Compass – the on-campus student ministry – felt it was important for everyone to come together and honor those lost in the shooting.
In the introductory statement, Mayer said, “If there is one word you remember from tonight, make it be ‘community.’”
Mayer mentioned how this tragedy has not only affected the local community of Roseburg, but Western’s community as well.
“We have felt the pain that they have felt,” said Mayer.
“We know it’s better to light a candle than hide in the dark,” said Strader after Mayer was finished speaking, offering a beacon of hope in this emotionally trying time. A short prayer was read, during which Strader emphasized that the victims will not be forgotten.
The speakers sympathized with families of the victims and the family of the shooter; Strader stressed that “anyone can be transformed by love … be vigilant for those who are isolated or depressed.”
The victims’ names were listed and a moment of silence was given for each. Statements made by the victims’ families were read, describing the departed family member’s personality or aspirations.
“You are building a community here … This is your home,” stated Mayer, reminding the gathered group of the importance of coming together. After the vigil, Mayer noted that coming together as a community often only occurs after a heartbreaking event such as this.
The shocking and deeply tragic nature of the shooting, paired with its close proximity, disturbed and troubled many Western students. When asked how the news of the shooting initially affected her, Jocelyn Chavez, a junior anthropology major said, “I was distraught. It was only four days into class starting; it was jarring.”
However, those that attended the vigil seemed to find solace or emotional release from the ceremony. “It felt like an act of catharsis when she read out the names. It made it seem more real,” stated Rachael Jackson, a senior sociology major.
At the end of the vigil, everyone joined together to sing “Amazing Grace,” then quietly departed or lingered to talk in small groups.
Dolan Kasnick, a graduate student working on his Master’s in criminal justice, said, “Everyone has different ways of coping. This is a good way of dealing with it.”
