More than 200 students and community members joined together Tuesday in a moment of silence and candlelight vigil for the victims of the Virginia Tech University shootings.

Sacramento State’s Associated Students Inc. held the event in the Library Quad at 8 p.m. Tuesday. It provided a candle for every attendee, and a mood to set the flame to honor the victims of what is being called “the worst shooting in American history.”

During the first moment of silence, a two-minute break between speakers, the entire campus grew silent.

“It made it really hit home,” said a participant.

Following the moment of silence, ASI invited those interested to come speak about their thoughts and feelings about the tragedy.

All dressed up in maroon and burnt orange, Victoria Cornwell of Maryland, a freshman nursing major at Sac State, was one of the first attendees to approach the microphone.

Half of her graduating class went to Virginia Tech. In the wake of the tragedy it was especially difficult not knowing what had really happened, and whether or not she’d lost a friend, she said.

Cornwell did lose a friend. Ryan Clark, an avid band member and double major, lost his life to the gunman on what initially seemed to be an average day at school. Her friend Heidi was also shot three times, once in the spine and may never walk again, but she did survive.

“Our mothers were talking the other day. All my mom wanted to do was hold me and kiss me. Heidi may never walk again, but she’s alive and her mother is happy because she can hug and kiss her until the day she dies,” Cornwell said.

Although the night was organized to remember the people who have lost their lives, some participants came to offer words of wisdom to remind others to celebrate life.

“I smile a little brighter, I hold my friends a little tighter and listen a little longer,” said Joshua Phillips, a graduate student studying social work.

At the end of the event, ASI asked participants to sign a letter that will be mailed to Virginia Tech in order to express Sac State’s condolences. The letter will be sent today.

Click here to view a photo slideshow from the vigil.

Bailey Mannisto-Iches can be reached at [email protected]