Love, Hope and Support

Love, hope and support were the foundation of a candlelight vigil Sept. 27, held to pay tribute to Utah State University's eight students and instructor killed in a tragic accident Monday, Sept. 26, and show support for two students who remain hospitalized.

 

The Utah Statesman, Utah State University's student newspaper, reported that more than 1,000 students, family members, faculty and friends attended the vigil. Many wore white ribbons and lit candles during ceremonies that included several speakers.

 

"Let us remember those who have passed on, and the flame that they provided," ASUSU College of Agriculture Senator Cody Bingham said. "May our small token of hope, love and support provide a warmth to those individuals and families involved."

 

President Albrecht told the crowd that he had received many messages of condolence during the day, and another university president said it was important to tell the students it was all right to cry. An emotional Albrecht passed on the message. He also praised the students, telling them he has never been more proud to be associated with the university.

 

While the event was somber, the atmosphere felt reverent, as the splashing water in the Tanner Fountain added a soothing quality. Musical selections were offered, including Lead Kindly Light, sung by the LDS Institute Choir.

 

Candles were lit at the conclusion of the vigil. In a spontaneous response, many students left their candles at the base of Synergy, a sculpture on the TSC plaza. The artist described Synergy as "working together," an admirable goal at any university, but especially now at Utah State University — students, faculty, staff and community working together to honor the memory of nine fallen Aggies.

 

Those who died in the accident are: Steven D. Bair, 22, Moses Lake, Wash; Dusty Dean Fuhriman, 22, Tremonton, Utah; Justin W. Gunnell, 24, Wellsville, Utah; Justin Huggins, 22, Bear River City, Utah; Jonathan Dennis Jorgensen, 22, Hyrum, Utah; Curt A. Madsen, 23, Payson, Utah; Ryan Wayne McEntire, 22, West Point, Utah; and Bradley G. Wilcox, 26, Salt Lake City, Utah. Instructor Evan Parel Parker, 45, Hooper, Utah, also died in accident.

 

USU students Jared Paul Nelson, 22, of Logan and Robert Petersen of Elwood, Utah, remain in Ogden hospitals.

 

The College of Agriculture has created a Web log where messages can be posted regarding Monday's van accident. The link to the site is on the college's homepage and allows contributors to write memories or thoughts regarding an individual, or general messages of sympathy and support.

 

"Many people feel a tremendous sense of loss and sadness even if they don't know these students or their families personally," said Paul Rasmussen, interim dean of the College of Agriculture. "We wanted to provide an opportunity for people to express their thoughts and feelings at this very difficult time."

 

Messages contributed will be summarized and delivered to the victim's families.

 

As a part of the university's response to the accident, a fund has been established to accept gifts in memory of the victims. Donations may be sent in care of:

 

Agriculture Technology Memorial Fund
Development Office
1490 Old Main Hill
Logan UT 84322-1490

 

Additionally, memorial gifts may be made online. Please be sure to indicate the "Agriculture Technology Memorial Fund" in the comments field.

 

Questions concerning memorial gifts may be directed to the development office: 435-797-1158 or 1-888-OLD-MAIN