Tonight at 8:30, ASUU will hold a candlelight vigil in light of Tuesday?s tragedy. Students, employees and community leaders will unite in ?keeping the light of American alive? as they gather on the steps of the Park Building at the top of Presidents Circle.
?We thought it would be important for students to have a forum and opportunity to come together,? said Ben Lowe, Associated Students of the University of Utah president. ASUU wants to ?focus on bringing students together and on understanding.?
Speakers at the candlelight vigil will include Gov. Mike Leavitt, U President Bernie Machen, Lowe, Father Rob Reyes and Masood Ulh-Hasan, president of Islamic Societies in the greater Salt Lake area. Latter-day Saint and Jewish leaders have been invited to offer prayers.
ASUU has invited a vocal soloist to sing ?America the Beautiful,? the a cappella choir will sing, and a string quartet will perform. The program also includes a moment of silence.
?As we plan the agenda, we don?t want this to be viewed as a political rally or as a religious service,? said Jay Hart, ASUU chief of staff. ?We?re trying to find a balance.?
According to Hart, so many religious leaders were invited, because, ?For a significant amount of people coping with this event, it is a spiritual matter.
?It was recommended that we have an individual who has close ties to students,? Hart said, explaining why they invited religious leaders.
The governor is appearing on the program as a result of a phone call made by ASUU.
?We basically just called the governor?s office and told him what we are doing. This is a perfect opportunity for him to address the students,? Hart said. ?He was very gracious to offer his time.?
Six counselors will be there to offer their services for students who may need counseling at that time.
The U is one of the eight schools in Utah that are holding a candlelight vigil tonight. Hart expects between 1,100 and 1,200 people to attend the vigil, although they are prepared for larger numbers. ASUU is ready to provide candles, although they are also encouraging students to bring their own.
ASUU leaders are planning this event to ?show our support to all those who have been touched by this tragedy,? according to Lowe.
?We are faced with a test of our character and strength unparalleled in our history. It is our hope that we may join together to express our solidarity as university students and demonstrate our support of each other and our nation?s leaders during this period of international crisis,? Lowe said in a prepared statement regarding Tuesday?s events.
?We feel this will be a very nice event.? Lowe said. ?We hope students will support us in this effort.?
?The U has students from all over the world. We feel that it?s very important to demonstrate our solidarity and respect for one another.? Hart said. ?We feel it?s important to help students from Salt Lake and all over the nation heal.?