Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Jamey Davidsmeyer A crowd of mourners light candles at a vigil in memory of ISU student David Hirsch who died last week in an accident near campus.

Family, friends, and members of the ISU community gathered Wednesday evening to remember the life of David Hirsch, who died last Wednesday after being struck by a train near campus.

The event took place on the Quad in front of the Old Main bell with a candlelight vigil held at 5:45 p.m. followed by a moment of silence and a bell ringing ceremony at 5:50 p.m.

Those in attendance could sign the sympathy cards to be sent to Hirsch's family that read, "Illinois State University is thinking of you."

"It is appropriate that we share the loss of David Hirsch together," Steve Adams, vice president for Student Affairs, said. "We celebrate with each other, care for each other and on this night, we remember together."

Although Adams did not know Hirsch personally, he described the deceased as a good roommate, classmate, student and person.

"He was what we hope for in everyone who attends Illinois State University," Adams said.

David Horstein, a senior communication studies major and Student Government Association student body president, stated the fact that Hirsch was a special education major, a camp counselor and a man of faith.

"I'm sure the rest of you share my thoughts," Horstein said when referring to those attendees who knew and those who did not know Hirsch.

"I wanted to learn more about David [so] as any smart college student would do, I consulted Facebook."

According to Horstein, numerous people have also mentioned that Hirsch put a smile on the faces of everyone he came in contact with.

"As a family at ISU, we must [be there] for each other's safety," Horstein said.

Adams also emphasized the idea of an ISU community who finds comfort within itself during times of tragedy.

"Although we have 20,000 students and 3,000 staff members…we have a personal touch," Adams said. "As it turns out, that connection is also made as we gather together."

The Old Main bell was rung 20 times to honor the 20 years Hirsch was alive. The student Government Association and University Program Board organized the service.

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