While law enforcement officials continue their investigations in the killing of three college students, the Delaware State University community is trying to cope with the loss of the victims as students return to the campus this week.
Carlos Holmes, director of news services for Delaware State, said the university “will do whatever we need to do to tend to the students.”
A remembrance service has been organized by the Student Government Association for Aug. 28, the first day students return to campus for the new school year. “We are in part having this remembrance as an outlet for students to help them bring closure to this,” said Holmes. Holmes said the Aug. 28 service — which has been referred to as a “memorial” — is now to be called a remembrance, as the intent is to honor the students.
Students
Nikki Chapple, president of the Student Government Association, said the main purpose of the service is to have an event where students who were not able to attend the funerals of the victims can say their “official goodbyes.” The SGA and administration provided buses for 80 students to attend those services.
Chapple said the Delaware State University band, of which Natasha Aeriel was a member, will perform an opening selection and tribute at the service. Bishop Bruce V. Parham of Oasis of Refreshing Ministries in Wilmington, Del., is to give an inspirational message. On behalf of the student body, the SGA is planning a presentation to the victims’ families, who will be attending the service.
The university has contracted with outside counseling agencies to be available on the day of the service to supplement its own counseling office, which has four certified counselors.
