Event at Montclair State University recognizes pandemic toll

Students, staff and faculty came together on Thursday, September 30 to support each other and recognize the toll COVID-19 has taken to the community and the world. The campus community created a luminous display of words of remembrance, healing and hope in an effort to support one another for those who have lost loved ones, who have been sick themselves, or who have suffered. from the stress and isolation of this time.

The ceremony took place in the amphitheater and included chants and words of encouragement, as lights twinkled in bags that created a wall of remembrance.

Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris spoke about the disruption of everyone’s lives by COVID-19 and the losses suffered: loved ones, dear friends, colleagues, and other losses : “a job, closing a favorite restaurant, the ability to do something we love to do.

The university community continues to work together and look to a better future, she said.

“Although we are not completely done with this pandemic, we are gradually getting closer to reclaiming our lives, our community, our ability to be together and our opportunity to cherish what we have,” Soufleris said, adding that the night was intended as a chance to pause, reflect and remember.

“I hope you find peace. You will have the opportunity to breathe. And re-tune. We have come a long way and our future looks very bright, ”she said. “In the darkness there is always light. In the light there is always hope. And in hope, there is always love.

Submitted by Montclair State University.