UW-Madison plans Thursday NIU remembrance

University of Wisconsin–Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam is asking students, faculty and staff to participate in a noon memorial ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 21, for the victims of the Feb. 14 tragedy at Northern Illinois University.

"It’s hard for us to even comprehend how difficult the past week has been for all those at Northern Illinois and in the DeKalb community," Berquam says. "This is a chance for those at UW–Madison, in our own way, to show support and solidarity with a sister institution as they grieve."

Lyle Anderson, university carillonneur, will ring the bells of the Carillon Tower, 1160 Observatory Drive, for a full minute at noon, followed by several memorial compositions.

Bequam and ROTC color guard will be on hand, and there will be an opportunity for interested students or staff to meet with representatives of the University Religious Workers.

In solidarity with NIU, all are asked to wear its school colors, cardinal and black.

For more information on the ceremony, call (608) 263-5700. A resources page related to the NIU shootings has more information for UW–Madison students.