Graduate-level University School of Social Work students hosted a ceremony to honor those killed at Virginia Tech and those affected by loss in their lives. The ceremony was held Monday between the University Indian Mounds.
Sherry Smelley, School of Social Work adjunct professor whose class organized the event, said the ceremony is put on every semester by her graduate-level grief and bereavement class.
“Part of helping people grieve is to commemorate them through ceremony,” Smelley said. “People are starting to realize more and more the importance of ritual in coping with loss.”
Students lit candles and left personal objects on the brick wall between the mounds.
“They’re called linking objects,” said Lynzie Lejeune, social work graduate student in the class. “They’re important, memorable objects from when a loved one was alive.”
Mac Haik, social work graduate student who helped organize the event, said the ceremony is more than just a class project.
In honor of Va. Tech, participants released orange balloons with personalized messages attached. Students also read poems, some of which featured themes of loss and healing.
Emily Babylon, social work graduate student, chose a reading to remember those serving in the armed forces.
“My reading was important because it honored those who we’ve lost in the military,” Babylon said. “The class decided it was appropriate for the ceremony.”
The LSU Brass Quintet from the School of Music performed “America the Beautiful” at the ceremony, and vocalist Lisa Hilliard sang.
Several students passing by stopped and participated in the ceremony.
“I walked by and saw what was going on,” said Tim Kulage, computer science sophomore. “I started to walk away, but I’ve been through a lot the last couple of years and decided to stay.”
Kulage said the ceremony made him appreciate those attempting to help others cope with loss.
—–Contact Nanci Velez [email protected]