Community members gather in the UC courtyard
University of Guelph students, staff, and faculty took time out of their day to gather in support of those affected by recent tragedies.
With several losses among the University community; a shooting at a mosque in Québec; and uncertainty on the global political stage, a solemn mood has settled over campus.
In response, representatives from Student Life, Student Wellness, the Multi-Faith Resource Team, and the Muslim Student Association organized an event called “Hope in challenging times” to bring people together in solidarity to grieve and reflect on the recent events that have had an impact on the community. By 2:30 p.m. on Fri, Feb. 3, the UC courtyard was filled with supporters.
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The ceremony included speeches, a moment of silence, and the lighting of four candles; one for mental health, one for the students who have passed and their families, one for those killed in the mosque and the Muslim community, and one for all those who are affected by world events.
The first to speak was James VanderBerg of Student Life who talked about Guelph being a diverse community that can come together in troubled times. VanderBerg thanked those who were able to attend and said that, by being there, students were creating a space that was important to those struggling with recent events.
The next to speak was the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph, Dr. Franco Vaccarino, who encouraged students to reach out not only to each other, but to the staff and services that the University offers. Vaccarino said that we are in a time of uncertainty, but that means that we can come together as a community in a common purpose, and that the human spirit will prevail.
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Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president of student affairs and chair of the Student Mental Health and Wellness Advisory Committee, spoke about how to find hope in the darkness of recent events. Whiteside also encouraged students to seek out the services offered on campus.
The last to speak was Hamna Syeda, president of the Muslim Students’ Association, who thanked those in attendance for their support and the kind words that they have offered. Syeda spoke of how saddened she was by recent events and how we need to come together in order to stop hate towards the Muslim community.
VanderBerg closed the gathering with some final words on finding hope for the future: “We are a choir and no one will hear our voices if we don’t sing together.”
Members of the crowd were then encouraged to write a pledge to help others in their community, committing to help those who are finding challenges in the current world climate. Pledges can be seen on the Guelph Muslim Students’ Association’s Facebook page (Guelph MSA) in their photo section.
Many who were unable to attend extended their support and regrets through the event’s Facebook page.
VanderBerg stated in the final words of the gathering, “We are planting the seed of hope and now we must water it.”