CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The first funerals were held over the weekend for the Michigan State University students killed in a mass shooting on campus earlier this week, in which three students were and five more were injured.
In Chicago, hundreds of Michigan State students and alumni came together Saturday evening for a vigil at Tree House in River North.
The Chicago Spartans, a local alumni chapter, organized the vigil, and the organization stated that all proceeds from its annual fundraising event in March will benefit the Spartan Strong Fund, which was set up by MSU to support victims of the shooting.
One of the vigil’s organizers spoke Saturday night about the spirit that lives in East Lansing, Mich.
“I grew up just moments from there, and I have always felt that nothing rings more true for me than the cry of, ‘Go Green,’” she said. “I hope you find solace, you find healing, and we take the space that we need — whatever it means for each of you tonight.”
Another one of the night’s speakers said the week had been “very traumatic” and “very hurting.” She encouraged those gathered to listen to the youth and “listen to their pain.”
“For me, being the parent of college students, this became real because I looked and I saw my boys’ faces in those kids,” she said. “I encourage us … [to] support the young people in our lives — not just Spartans — but all of the young people because, I’m telling you, they are hurting, there’s a pain, and they need us just as much as we need them.”
Classes at Michigan State University are scheduled to resume Monday.
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