Mesa Legend - News - Shooting at Va. Tech leaves world stunned

Shooting at Va. Tech leaves world stunned

Nick Kosmider
Mesa Legend

As people all over the country and the world continue to grieve over the tragic loss of life that took place at Virginia Tech University on April 16, students and faculty at Mesa Community College did their part to pay tribute during a candlelight vigil on April 19.
The vigil, which was held underneath MCC’s clock tower, was jus one of many that took place all over the state. The three state universities as well as colleges in the Maricopa Community College district also held vigils. There was also a vigil held at the MCC Red Mountain Campus.
“We are here to bring unity and to address the need to pay respect to the victims and their families,” said Susan Taffer, a career development and student life counselor at MCC.
About 50 people, most of them students, were on hand to pay their respects to the victims.
Taffer greeted the crowd with an address stating that violence has affected not only the unfortunate victims who lost their lives, but people all over the world.
“Our campus is a microcosm of the world outside. The horror of this event brings a heightened sense of awareness for the well-being of our colleagues.”
Following Taffer’s statements, Doug Shumway, Student Life and Leadership adviser at MCC, addressed the crowd with ways to cope with the tragedy.
“Remember that random acts of kindness can change the world. Be sensitive to those who struggle and honor and respect our own sense of community. Keep yourself safe, healthy, and happy and stay connected to your own spirituality. Most importantly, honor those lost lives through your own success.”
Following the administration’s words, the crowd was invited to participate in a period of silence which lasted about 15 minutes. Some shed tears, while others found comfort in others arms, but all in attendance found there own way to pay tribute as the candles burned.
After that reflection, the administration invited anyone who cared to speak to address the crowd. MCC student Wesley Pratt Colvin spoke first.
“What happened there could happen here or anywhere,” Colvin said. “If we don’t watch out for one another, who will? People, whether they realize it or not, feel like they are alone at times, but there is always someone out there who cares about you.”
Others after Colvin shared their thoughts with the crowd, including current ASMCC president Faianna Prescott in an emotional speech.
“We wonder, question why instructors, teachers, and students who inspire lost their lives. Those victims could have been our families and friends. I would encourage you to keep the victims in your prayers and in your hearts.”
After Prescott, ASMCC president-elect, Betty Jo Lenhart, also encouraged those in attendance to keep the victims families in their prayers. She also addressed concerns for safety on campus.
“I will do my best to work with administration to make sure students on this campus are safe.”
Students felt the vigil was a good way to aid in the healing process of the pain the tragedy at Virginia Tech has caused.
“It is important to take notice and be respectful of those who lost their lives,” said Nicholas Velde, a secondary education major at MCC. “Though the events happened miles and miles away, it still obviously has an effect on people here.”