YSU Vigil: We Care

Watch out for one another, draw strength from one another was the message.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University freshman Byron Velichko had been following the shootings at Virginia Tech on television for the past couple of days, so a YSU prayer vigil for the victims seemed like a good idea to him.
The exercise science major from Youngstown was one of about 70 students, staff, administrators and faculty to gather in the Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center on Wednesday morning for an ecumenical vigil arranged by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Student Diversity Programs.
"The best thing for YSU students is to come together," Velichko said, adding that it just felt like the right thing to do.
"America right now is dealing with a major tragedy," said William J. Blake, director of Student Diversity Programs.
"Our heart goes out to the families of students senselessly murdered in Virginia," said Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president, calling it a time to reflect on the value of human life.
"We must spend our time making our life count," advised Dr. Cynthia Anderson, vice president for student affairs, noting that no one knows what will happen tomorrow or even 30 minutes from now.
"We need to support each other. We need to draw strength from each other," Ann Lally, coordinator of YSU Career and Counseling Services, told the gathering.
Here's a concern
The Rev. Jim Ray, retired YSU campus chaplain and noted peace advocate, said he is worried about possible repercussions against South Koreans and other minorities after the shootings that left 33 dead, including the killer, who was South Korean.
People need to be vigilant, but take care that vigilance doesn't become vigilante, he said.
That young man was clearly very troubled, the Rev. Mr. Ray said.
"Every person is precious," he said, urging those in attendance to work to bring hope to those who appear to be troubled. "We do need to care for one another."
Anna Boyd, a freshman from Austintown, said she saw a notice of the vigil and thought it would be a worthwhile effort.
"I enjoyed it," she said, adding that she was touched by the fact that YSU could do something for Virginia Tech.
gwin@vindy.com