Students, staff and faculty came together on Thursday, September 30, to support each other and acknowledge the toll COVID-19 has taken on the community and the world. Because the pandemic has touched the lives of all \u2013 whether they have lost loved ones, been ill themselves, or suffered from the stress and isolation of living through this time \u2013 the campus community created a luminaria display of words of remembrance, healing and hope in an effort to support one another.
\nThe ceremony was held at the Amphitheater and included singing and spoken words of encouragement, as lights flickered in bags that created a wall of remembrance.<\/p>\n
Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris spoke of COVID-19\u2019s disruption to everyone\u2019s lives and the losses experienced: loved ones, cherished friends, coworkers, as well as other losses: \u201ca job, the closure of a favorite restaurant, the ability to do something we love to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the University community continues to work together and is looking toward a brighter future, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we are not fully done with this pandemic, little by little we move closer to gaining back our lives, our community, our ability to be together and our opportunity to cherish what we have,\u201d she said, adding that the night was meant as a chance to pause, reflect and remember.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope you will find peace. You\u2019ll have a chance to breathe. And re-tune. We have come so far, and our future looks very bright,\u201d she said. \u201cIn the darkness, there is always light. In the light, there is always hope. And in hope, there is always love.\u201d<\/p>\n