Yesterday started out as a normal winter day. A few area schools were on two hour delay because of melted snow from the day before that had frozen overnight. A regular day changed quickly as a mass text shot across campus. The community turned to panic, but then to social media. People on campus were posting that they were ok, then the messages started coming in from beyond the confines of our red brick buildings. Prayers came in from friends, family, those we hold close; my Facebook feed was overwhelmed by Boiler Catholic Alum sending prayers to a campus that was still under a "Shelter in Place" warning. Even those who do not done the old gold and black wanted to offer up their thoughts and prayers. Bitter rivalries fell silent, replaced by words of comfort and love.
I feel blessed to work across the street from my Alma Mater, that I am able to participate closely when our Boilermaker family experiences Love, Joy, Tragedy and Loss. I am also ever grateful for the first responders who make this campus a safe and inviting place to form ourselves for our futures.
The combined Glee Club and Purduettes sang these words, and they rang out in comfort during the prayer service, and have been running through my head since:
"Close by the Wabash, In famed Hoosier landThough we find ourselves in tragedy, we look to our community to offer support and strength, a shoulder to cry on. We find this in our friends, our parish, and our love of this great university. Please pray for the soul of the student Andrew Bolt, and for strength for his family as they go through this tragedy in their lives.
Stands old Purdue, Serene and Grand
Cherished in Memory, By all her sons and daughters true
Fair Alma Mater, All Hail Purdue
Fairest in all the land, Our own Purdue
Fairest in all the land, Our own Purdue"
- Purdue Hymn - The Alma Mater
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