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Oct. 28, 2008
Honoring the memory of the Ocean Isle fire victims
Dear Carolina Family,
Today marks the first anniversary of the Ocean Isle, N.C., fire that claimed the lives of six of our students and their friend from Clemson University. As we pause to honor the memory of Justin Anderson, Travis Cale, Lauren Mahon, Cassidy Pendley, William Rhea, Allison Walden, and Emily Yelton of Clemson University, let us continue to draw on the strength of the Carolina community that has comforted so many during this past year.
October 28 and the days that followed were filled with unspeakable sadness. But the strength and spirit of the Carolina community prevailed as everyone reached out to help one another within the university family and in communities across South Carolina and Ohio.
That indomitable spirit and strength have transcended grief and sadness and helped us to begin healing and do remarkable things to honor those who were lost. The Remembrance Concert Thursday night and the Bike-a-thon Saturday will inspire us to move forward and continue to honor the legacy of Justin, Travis, Lauren, Cassidy, William, Allison, and Emily through scholarships and aid to fire victims.
Some of you may be having a difficult time coping as you remember the events of a year ago, and I encourage you to visit the Counseling Center and talk with counselors. We all need the helping hand of others, and our counselors welcome the opportunity to comfort you now, just as they comforted many of you last year.
Rutledge Chapel on the Horseshoe also is open for reflection and prayer.
Patricia and I join you in remembering and honoring our lost Carolinians, always keeping them and their families in our heart and our memory.
Sincerely,
Harris Pastides
President, University of South Carolina
Originally published on www.sc.edu