University Park

200 join in tsunami memorial vigil at Old Main

University Park, Pa. -- As part of its day of mourning and support, Penn State held a vigil Jan. 12 to remember those lost in the deadly tsunami that devastated the Indian Ocean region last month. The vigil, sponsored by the Office of International Programs and the International Student Council, was held on the steps of Old Main just after the noon hour. The brief ceremony featured musical performances by students from the School of Music, remarks by individuals with ties to the region affected by the tragedy, and a moment of silence and personal reflection.

An estimated 200 individuals from the University and State College community attended the event, including a group of young children who attended from the State College Friends School. Janis Jacobs, vice provost for undergraduate education and international programs, welcomed those who stood on the soggy lawn of Old Main. "We are here to honor those who have lost their lives and homes," she said.

Those present were made aware of a donation and information area set up in the HUB-Robeson Center. Student groups representing affected nations were accepting donations for the relief effort throughout the day. Donations will be consolidated and sent to a number of agencies responding to the disaster. Information about the affected countries and handouts about legitimate relief organizations also will be available at this location.

In addition, participants wanting to meditate further on the tragedy were referred to Penn State's Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs, which has organized meditation time in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. University community members can light candles, meditate and write thoughts and prayers on a reflection board.

For more information about the University's response to the tsunami tragedy, go to http://live.psu.edu/story/9628

For more information on relief efforts and resources available to Penn Staters affected by the tragedy, as well as to learn the University's plans for further related programming, visit http://www.international.psu.edu/tsunami.htm

For photos from the service, visit http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2005_01_12_vigil/index.html

As part of its Day of Mourning and Support, Penn State hosted a vigil today (Jan. 12) to remember those lost in the deadly tsunami that devastated the Indian Ocean region last month. For more photos, click on the photo above. Credit: Greg Grieco / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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