JENNIFER ADAMS Ali Scheier Õ02 at a shrine created on the steps of Blanchard Campus Center in memory of those killed or wounded in TuesdayÕs attacks.

The work of healing began across the campus Tuesday as the College responded to the horrific events that unfolded earlier in the day. Classes and events were cancelled, staff and faculty members gathered with students, and participants in a candlelight vigil offered prayers and songs in memory of the uncounted victims.

Throughout the day, chaplains welcomed students to Eliot House, offering support. In the afternoon, in an effort led by Rochelle Calhoun, associate dean of the College, teams made up of faculty and staff visited each of the residence halls, offering help to students in processing the events of the day. Another set of facilitated discussions in residence halls is being planned. Eliot House adopted a twenty-four-hour schedule for the day, providing warmth and companionship for those who wanted to be together through a difficult night.

"When I was at Pearsons yesterday afternoon I was impressed with the thoughtful, eloquent way students are struggling with these horrific events," says President Joanne V. Creighton. "It was moving to see the depth of idealism and compassion that was expressed. It makes me very proud of our community and confident that we will find strength in ourselves to deal with this crisis."

At twilight on Tuesday, about 1,000 members of the MHC community gathered for a vigil on the steps of Blanchard Campus Center. The somber ceremony included prayers and songs led by MHC students and advisers to various religious communities, and the tolling of Mary Lyon HallÕs bell.

Those participating in the vigil held lit candles during the ceremony and, at its conclusion, formed a circle of light surrounding Skinner Green. Participants then placed their candles on the Blanchard steps in what has become a shrine to the memory of those killed or wounded in TuesdayÕs horrific attacks. Those who spoke at the vigil included President Creighton; Andrea Ayvazian, dean of religious life; Holly Hansen, adviser to the BahaÕi community; Sister Shamshad Sheik, adviser to the Muslim community; Efraim Eisen, adviser to the Jewish community; Lauren Snead Õ02, cochair of the Multifaith Council; Anita McGovern, adviser to the Catholic community; Rich Fournier, adviser to the Protestant community; and Sandy Johnson, adviser to the Buddhist community.

At noon Wednesday, the Mary Lyon bell again tolled as members of the MHC community gathered on Skinner Green for a moment of silence in memory of those killed or injured in the tragedy. The ceremony will be repeated at noon during the next several days, announced Beverly Daniel Tatum, dean of the College.

In response to requests by students, the office of Dean of the Faculty Donal OÕShea is considering the possibility of organizing a campuswide teach-in on the recent crisis. The counseling service has scheduled drop-in hours for students in need of additional support. Hours on Thursday, September 13, are from noon to 1pm. On Friday, September 14, hours are from 11am to noon.

The LyonÕs Den in Blanchard Campus Center was scheduled to be open from 8 am to midnight through Friday, providing a place where students could gather to continue sharing their concerns with the community. Staff members were scheduled to be available from 4 to 5 pm each day.

Further announcements may be posted on the Web at http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/comm/news/, on mhc.announce, and on the emergency telephone line (x2330).