UPUA will host the second annual Penn State Night of Remembrance on Sunday, April 24 to honor the lives of University Park students who passed away during the year. The candlelight vigil begins at 8 p.m. on the steps of Old Main and serves as a time for remembrance and reflection, with an opportunity for anyone who feels moved to speak to voice their remarks.

Former UPUA President Emily McDonald and current Speaker Alexander Shockley came up with the Night of Remembrance. The Office of Student Affairs used to hold a similar service at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center honoring the lives of all Penn State students lost across the commonwealth, but poor representation from all 19 campuses left the event to fade.

McDonald and Shockley thought it was still important to remember our fellow students that passed away throughout the year, so they organized the Night of Remembrance for the student body to come together and recognize the lives of our peers.

“Penn State is a family, it is a community. We have pride in being Nittany Lions, and when we lose one of our fellow classmates, it burdens us heavily,” Shockley said.

The 15 students who will be honored are Lauren Bajorek, Joseph Blunschi, Damah Conteh, Jacob Correll, John ‘Connor’ Darcey, Christopher Dixon, Michael Eiben, Luca Franzini, Naomi Grix, Alexander Murk, Eli ‘Miriam’ Roe, Vitalya ‘Tally’ Sepot, Nicholas Snyder, Nicholas Stuck, and Michael Walsh

UPUA will provide candles for the service, and it will include a performance by Pennharmonics, a moment of silence, readings, a candle-lighting, and an opportunity for attendees to share stories about the individuals who passed away. All are encouraged to attend.