UPDATE, 9 p.m.: Scroll to the end of this post for photos from LoCO contributor Mark McKenna.
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Over a hundred Humboldt State University students and faculty, many clutching roses, attended a memorial service on the HSU Quad Thursday afternoon to honor those who perished in last week’s horrific bus accident on I-5. Attendees wrote out messages and memories filling a giant poster wall before settling in for a roughly 30-minute, speech-filled ceremony led by administrators.
“Today our thoughts are with all of those who were affected, their families and their friends,” said HSU President Rollin Richmond during a brief speech. “These have been emotional difficult times and I’m truly grateful for the outpouring of support I’ve seen.”
The full audio of the gathering is included below. It begins and ends with songs from the Mad River Transit Singers followed by speeches from HSU President Rollin Richmond (2:17), Chancellor Timothy White (6:05), CSUTrustee Larry Norton (9:47), Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro (12:10), President’s Advisory Board Member Heidi Moore (16:08) and Peg Blake, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs (20:32). For what it’s worth, Chesbro notes that the tragedy will be recognized from the floor of the assembly in Sacramento at noon on Monday. [Edit: We’re told the adjournment has been rescheduled for Thursday April 24 at 9 a.m.]
(Audio and images courtesy Malcolm DeSoto)
PREVIOUSLY: ‘We Are Heartbroken’: Ten Killed in Crash of Tour Bus Headed to HSU For Spring Preview
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Photos from LoCO contributor Mark McKenna start here:
A mourner holds a copy of Amazing Grace
Outgoing Humboldt State University President Rollin Richmond
California State University Chancellor Timothy White
California State Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Gabie Luna, left, and Jamaica Cruse joined hundreds gathered on the HSU Quad
Ramia Lawrence, right, is consoled by Peg Blake, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University Admissions Councilor, Lara Mowery, left, hugs Marissa Mourer, Spring Preview Coordinator
A young woman writes a message on a remembrance board.
California State University Chancellor Timothy White, center, talks with Ramia Lawrence, left
California State University Chancellor Timothy White consoles Paige Hanzy
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The following set of photos were taken at the candlelight vigil later that evening:
Vincent Feliz, who works in the Dean’s Office at Humboldt State University, sings a song, “Bringing in the Nets” during the start of a candle light vigil
Cheryl Seidner, who worked at Humboldt State University for 28 years, and Marylyn Paik-Nicely, director of the HSU Multicultural Center
Students, Faculty, and community members participated in a candle light vigil on the Humboldt State University Campus Thursday evening in honor of those who lost their lives in a bus crash near Orland, CA one week ago today.
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