After the Feb. 14 shootings, the Wesley Foundation at NIU asked for help supporting the campus.

What they received was more than 350 handmade prayer shawls.

Kelli Beard, pastor of the Wesley Foundation, organized the shawl-making as a way to honor those killed. A member of the Association of Campus Religious Organizations and partnered with Lutheran Campus Ministry, Beard and company had nearly 75 churches participate in producing shawls and prayer squares.

Although the events of Feb. 14 were tragic, Beard said she has seen remarkable things in the campus over the past year.

Beard said signs of hope have remained even as NIU has faced arguably the hardest time in its long history. These signs include candlelight vigils that were organized, the availability of counselors on campus and students concerned with other issues, although they still are dealing with their own.

“Those are all ways that are more powerful than what happened in Cole Hall,” Beard said. “I have seen so many signs of hope and new life.”

Prayer shawls were available last year and were well-received. The shawls are designed to aid students in their grieving process and serve as a reminder that they are never alone. Beard realizes students may be at different points in the recovery process but she wants them to know they were not the only ones affected on the tragic day and that their response has inspired those around them and others.

Pastor Judy Giese of Malta and Northwest Malta United Methodist churches expressed similar sentiments. Giese believes NIU brings a richness, cultural diversity and opportunity to those within the community.

She has also seen an outpouring of support, not just on the campus. Giese said the tragedy has helped develop closer relationships and a deeper appreciation of the bond between NIU and its community. Giese’s churches helped produce shawls, and she wants students to remember the meaning behind them.

“It’s just a way of saying we care about you,” Giese said. “It’s a free gift of love.”

The pattern of some of the shawls made by Giese’s church members were red and black with a dog pattern.