2008 Woodie Awards
USC pays respects to Va. Tech victims
Candlelight vigil on Horseshoe inspires students, faculty to honor students murdered during last week's tragic shootings in Virginia
Catherine Martin
Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: News
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Student Body President Nick Payne, a fourth-year economics student, said organizations all over campus worked together to make the service happen.
"Student Government, RHA, Greek Life, Carolina Productions and everyone who attended played a role in this important service," Payne said. "We all just want to pay our respects to those who lost lives."
The service began with members of USC's a cappella group Sound Check singing "Lonesome Road" by King Singers.
Brian Glosh, a third-year music education student and Sound Check member, said the Virginia Tech tragedy affects the whole world.
"Colleges aren't secluded to the town that it's in, but people know students at other colleges all over the world," Glosh said.
Laura Sauthoff, a first-year nursing student, said she came out to show support for the families who lost relatives and for students who attend Virginia Tech.
"A lot of kids from my high school went there, but thankfully they are all OK," Sauthoff said.
The candlelight service definitely helps the Virginia Tech students in more ways than anyone can imagine, Sauthoff said.
"The strength and support that Virginia Tech students are receiving from colleges makes them feel better to know people are reaching out to them," she said.
USC students, faculty and alumni weren't the only ones attending this special service, but Virginia Tech alumni were there as well.
Neil Fletcher, a 1986 graduate of Virginia Tech, attended the service to support those who experienced the tragedy.
"As a VT alumni this incident hits close to home, but it affects USC students just as much," Fletcher said. "It heightens the awareness of both parents and students, and shows just how vulnerable we really are."
Fletcher said it's important for students, faculty and parents to know what's going on at all times.
As the members of Sound Check sang "It Is Well With My Soul," fourth-year political science student and Fraternity Council President Zach Baker, and Alexandria Wysocki, a third-year business student and Sorority Council president, announced the names of victims while candles were lit.
As a moment of silence was taken to reflect on the lives that were lost, several students bowed their heads, some joined hands to pray, and others sang along with Sound Check.
Jaime Miller, a social work graduate student, said the service shows how everyone can come together in honor of those who were affected.
"It doesn't just happen at Virginia Tech, but it could happen anywhere," Miller said.
Payne said in his speech it could have easily been USC.
"If something like this were to happen here, then our university will be fully prepared," Payne said.
Miller said this should be a wake-up call to everyone.
"Everyone is affected by this tragedy, and our main concern right now is showing support in any way we can," Miller said.
Payne said the support given to VT by cards, letters, prayers and donations show what it's all about to be a Carolinian.
"I'm proud to be a Gamecock, and I'm proud to be a Hokie," Payne said.
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