Bobcats unite at symbolic vigil

The setting sun painted the sky over UC Merced a warm rose as students, staff and faculty walked across Scholars Lane Bridge on Friday evening to “reclaim” the area after a stabbing spree that left four wounded and the assailant dead.

“These horrific events will not define us, individually or collectively, as we move through anger, grief and fear to reclaim this special place where we study, work and live,” said UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland at the Carol Tomlinson-Keasey Quad, where hundreds of people met for a vigil.

Out of adversity, the campus has found strength, Leland told the crowd of people, who held blue electric candles in the air and chanted “Bobcat Strong.”

Some hugged, others held hands. One student softly strummed a guitar as he made his way to the quad.

The walk across the bridge is symbolic of students’ journey through college. Students walk across the bridge at the beginning of their first year and again at graduation, officials explained.

Students, who returned to school Friday after Wednesday’s attack, said there was a feeling of unison throughout campus, apparent at Friday’s event.

Miguel Hernandez, a first-year student from Merced, said he did not want to stay home any longer. Going back to school was a step closer to having things return to normal, he said.

“Everyone was talking about it today,” he said. “I’m glad we’re all out here together.”

Hernandez said the attack probably will stick with his graduating class throughout their four years, but he thinks it has taught them valuable lessons.

“I think this will make us more aware to not seclude people, to not isolate them,” Hernandez said. “I think we will carry that message.”

Paola Torres, a first-year sociology student, said despite the tragedy, it is refreshing to see the school and community members come together.

“I have never seen a campus community so united like this,” Torres said. “It helps to know we have all this support.”

“Our campus might be small, but we’re close,” she said after the vigil. “I think you can see that here today.”

This story was originally published November 6, 2015 at 7:46 PM with the headline "Bobcats unite at symbolic vigil."