Oregon State Daily Barometer Online - Vigil-goers brave cold, help hope burn brightSearch: Monday January 10, 2005 home news sports forum diversions weekend kickoff archives H E A D L I N E S Community Service Center to hold MLK service fair Barometer Staff Report Linn-Benton SWAT team safely apprehends armed suspect Barometer Staff Report International students get rainy welcome to Corvallis By Dan Traylor The Daily Barometer Thefacebook.com 'pokes' OSU By Nick Vardanega The Daily Barometer Multitasking goes high-tech with OSU-born software By Jennifer Moser The Daily Barometer Wireless Services N E W S Vigil-goers brave cold, help hope burn bright Wednesday evening's candlelight vigil held to mourn loss of life to tsunamis in Southeast Asia, raised funds to rebuild region By Peter Chee The Daily Barometer Standing at the steps of the MU on Wednesday night, Kale Clauson, a senior in zoology, observes a moment of silence for those who have suffered from the devestating Southeast Asia tsunami. The candlelight vigil was co-hosted by the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center and the Indian Student Association. Justin Runquist The Daily Barometer The base of the MU steps was lit Wednesday night by the glow of more than 200 candles. As each candle flickered to life, it was grasped by a student, faculty or community member who chose to endure the freezing night, standing in solemn tribute to the thousands who died in the Southeast Asia tsunami disaster. The vigil, organized by the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center and Indian Student Association, lasted for about an hour and was held to pay respect to those who lost their lives, as well as raise funds for the rebuilding efforts that will continue for years. "The events of the tsunami has taught us many things," said Shaun Palakiko, external coordinator for the APCC, to the gathered crowd. "The loss of life is the same in every culture." At the base of the steps stood a large plexi-glass column that stood 8 feet tall. Donated cash layered the bottom. Vigil organizers said they hoped the large container would be filled with donations several times over for tsunami aid. The container will be located in the MU Lounge every school day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to bring in aid donations. Isabel Sanchez-Saltos, who also helped organize the vigil, said the planning had only started Monday, and snowballed into a large effort involving APCC, ISU, International Students of OSU and the MU Program Council. "It's taught us a lot about how vulnerable we can be," Sanchez-Saltos said to the crowd. Gideon Alegado, MU business manager, stood before the crowd and spoke prayers in both English and Filipino. "We are diverse," he prayed. "But we are one here. Some are here out of curiosity, [others] for concern or a noble purpose to serve." A prayer was also spoken in Indian by a member of the ISA. Although a moment of silence was observed after the candles were first lit, silence remained an intimate part of the evening. At one point, the program was opened for anyone to speak. Again, silence. Quietly, an OSU student began to speak, praying in Spanish, her voice breaking at times. Other Corvallis residents followed suit. OSU President Ed Ray held a candle in the cold as well. "Never doubt that a few people cannot change the world," he said, paraphrasing Eleanor Roosevelt. "I'm very proud of the groups who organized this event -- to reach out and help." Vigil organizers said they hoped the evening's event would be the first of many to be held to raise funds for tsunami victims and rebuilding efforts. "Whatever seeds we sow [tonight] will bare great fruit from our love and concern," Alegado said. Peter Chee, city editor city@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231 Vigil-goers brave cold, help hope burn bright Post your feedback on this topic here 01/06/2005 No one can say college students today... qmc (Feedback requires a Javascript-compatible browser) Nursing Scrubs & Medical Scrubs Wine Business Encyclopedia Product Configurator Used Woodworking Machinery Engraved Silver Gifts 2005 Calendars - Calendars Movie Posters buy DVD movies at BestPrices.com Dog Beds : Pet Beds Spy Software Western Union Tiffany Lamps : Table Lamps UK Lingerie Football Tickets Sign Up for The Daily Barometer News Update (enter email address) more info privacy policy HOME || NEWS || SPORTS || FORUM || DIVERSIONS || WEEKEND KICKOFF || Archives © 2005 The Daily Barometer, Oregon State University