ANN ARBOR—Students at the University of Michigan will hold a forum and candlelight vigil on the Ann Arbor campus today (April 20) to remember the students and faculty killed and injured in the April 16 shooting at Virginia Polytechnic University.

Organized by the Michigan Student Assembly and the U-M Division of Student Affairs, the event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a forum in the Kuenzel Room, Michigan Union, during which participants can learn more about the University’s approach and response to the tragedy. Dean of Students Susan Eklund, Todd Sevig from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Bill Bess from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will make comments and answer questions. The forum will be followed by the vigil at 9 p.m. on the Diag.

Members of all three U-M campuses expressed sympathy and support for the victims in various ways this past week, and will continue to do so in the days ahead.

“A tragedy of this scope and scale is almost unthinkable, and we are just beginning to fully grasp the impact of what has occurred,” President Mary Sue Coleman wrote in a letter to campus. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these terrible circumstances.

“Whether or not you are directly touched by these events, they bring great sorrow and stress to our own campus at a time when students are already adjusting to the increased pressures of exams. Many in our University may be feeling vulnerable as more information comes out about the shootings and the events that led up to the tragedy. It is important that we share a sense of community and offer one another the maximum amount of support and tolerance.”

Related Links:

• Vigil announcement
• Michigan Student Assembly, U-M Student Affairs letter