The University Student Council hosted “Remembrance Through Action,” on Thursday, an event dedicated to reflecting on recent community tragedies and connecting students to safety and wellness resources available to them at the University and in the Charlottesville area.
The event was held in the Amphitheatre, spearheaded by the co-chairs of the Student Council Safety and Wellness Committee, College fourth-year Rachel Murphy and College third-year Becca Vang. Murphy and Vang gained support from community health leaders including University Fire Marshal Gerald Drumheller and Marge Sidebottom, University Director of Emergency Preparedness.
In light of recent tragedies, Student Council is working towards establishing better connections between students and University and Charlottesville resources, Murphy said.
By closing the gap between students and these resources, Student Council said they hope students will be more likely to take advantage of these resources in the future.
“I think sometimes there's a chasm between students and leaders,” Murphy said. “I think this project has shown we [student advocates and administrative advocates] have a lot of the same goals and ideas.”
A variety of community health leaders were present, including members of the University Office of Emergency Preparedness, Women’s Center and University Police Department. Members of Peer Health Educators, Third-Year Council, the LGBTQ Center, the Ambassador Program, University Grounds Housing Office and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life were also there.
By shaping a better-informed student body, Vang said she hopes students will be better equipped to respond to hardships positively and proactively.
“The event gives an opportunity for students to be really proactive in their lives, so we’re providing them with a lot of information and resources,” she said.
The event was successful, Student Council leaders said, and was eye-opening for student attendees.
First-year College student Emma Katovitz said the event was a way to show solidarity with the community.
“We’re all here, we all want to help you,” Katovitz said. “We’re not taking anything lightly.”
“Remembrance Through Action” is expected to become an annual event.
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