With an air of silent reverence, more than 200 Ball Statestudents converged on the University Green Thursday night toremember those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The candlelight vigil, which was co-sponsored by Woody andShales Halls and the Residence Hall Association, began at 8 p.m.and featured Douglas F. McConkey, vice president for StudentAffairs and Enrollment Management, as keynote speaker.
McConkey said he was pleased with the short, simple, and solemnnature of the ceremony.
He said he felt that the ceremony was well organized and washappy with the student turnout.
When asked what he hoped those in attendance got out of theceremony, McConkey answered, "A sense of peace and a coming togrips with the tragedy."
The Ball State University Chamber Choir performed "The StarSpangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," and "Deep River."
Chris Brush, acting director of the Chamber Choir, said he wasproud to be a part of the ceremony.
"I hope people find comfort and solace as they remember thistragedy," Brush said shortly before he directed the choir'sperformance.
The vigil was "meant to be a time of reflection and support forthe university and its students," said Robbie Bacon, Hall Directorfor Woody and Shales.
Theresa Hayes, a Resident Assistant at Woody and Shales Halls,said the ceremony was a chance to remember all those affected bySept. 11, especially those who experienced the loss of a lovedone.
Hayes said she was very moved to "see so many people who are sosupportive".
"I didn't have any other chance today to remember those lost,"freshman David Studinski said. "I want to feel like I didn't letthe day go by without paying proper respect to those whose liveswere lost."
The supportive nature of the students in attendance especiallyimpressed freshman Shalah Sasse.
"I think it's wonderful how the Ball State students cametogether to remember those who were lost two years ago on Sept.11," Sasse said.
Although an emotional experience for some in attendance,McConkey attempted to aid in the healing process by putting anuplifting closing on his address: "May hope, supported by action,prevail so that tragedy will never be repeated."
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