Western Courier

Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa Students gathered Monday night to honor Michael Miller, a Western student who recently passed away.

Though it was frigidly cold Monday night, a group of about 40 people gathered between Higgins and Currens halls to remember Western Illinois University student Michael Miller.

Miller passed away Sunday, Feb. 3 in his Higgins residence hall room.

Organized by sophomore pre-elementary education major Brooke Althiser, the ceremony that was initially scheduled to last about an hour only ended up taking 10 minutes due to harsh weather conditions.

"I think the cold kept quite a few (people) away, but I was very happy with the turnout," Althiser said.

The evening began with Althiser presenting a welcoming speech, during which she said they were going to "keep the ceremony short yet strong" and their goal was "as a group, not to grieve but to celebrate." A sermon and prayer were then led by Clayton Hentzel of The Crossing church, and the ceremony closed with the song "Amazing Grace" led by music major Staisha Dean.

According to Althiser, surrounding churches donated candles for the event, and The Crossing printed out the programs for the evening.

"Our prayers and thoughts just go out to the friends and family of Mike," Althiser said. "I know that everybody's going though a very rough time and that if we stick together, things will get better."

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