UCF Remembers… 6.12.16


Posted Monday, July 24, 2017 @ 4:16 PM

Dear Fellow Knights,
In the spirit of love and kindness, UCF prepares to remember the attack at Pulse nightclub and to honor the 49 lives taken nearly one year ago.
Two of our own-student Juan Ramon Guerrero and alumnus Christopher Andrew Leinonen-were among those killed.

This week, we will be installing a mural on the Student Union as a tribute to Juan and Drew. Millican Hall will be lit in the pride colors during the evenings from June 8 through 12 to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community. As we remember Juan and Drew and all of those killed, we also embrace their families and the survivors with love and compassion.

I invite you to join with our UCF family Thursday, June 8, for a day of reflection, service and unity. UCF chose June 8 for our programming to allow community members to also attend the City of Orlando and Orange County Government remembrances June 12.

“UCF Remembers… 6.12.16,” events Thursday include:

“Reflections on Pulse” will be an opportunity to create art and share tributes to the 49 victims. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Atrium.

The UCF Remembers Blood Drive will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. behind the Student Union between Classroom 1 and Health and Public Affairs.

The opening reception for “Resilience: Remembering Pulse” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the UCF Art Gallery. The exhibition, which will run through June 30, includes photos, quilts, paintings, and more that honor the victims and the LGBTQ+ community.

“UCF Remembers,” a ceremony honoring the 49 and celebrating diversity and equality, will begin in the Pegasus Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. The event will include performances by the Orlando Gay Chorus, a reading of the names of the 49 victims, and campus and community speakers.

Next week will be difficult for many members of our community. Counseling and Psychological Services is available to assist anyone who is struggling. For assistance, please call 407-823-2811.

UCF’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is unwavering. Together, we are Orlando United, and that starts with caring for and respecting each other.

Additional information about this week’s events is available at https://www.ucf.edu/orlandounited/.

Sincerely,

Maribeth Ehasz,

Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services

< Back to News