The NIU family has shown that the Cole Hall shooting failed to darken its light.

Under the words “Forward, together forward,” NIU came together Sunday and filled the Convocation Center to capacity — even filling the overflow seating — to remember those lost and wounded in the shooting.

NIU President John Peters began the memorial ceremony by not only honoring the memories of the five victims, but also by sharing words of healing, hope and the Huskie spirit.

“I have seen your courage and I have seen your strength,” Peters said. “I see your courage to heal and continue pursuing your life goals.”

Convocation Center workers walked along the aisles distributing tissues to audience members throughout the ceremony.

“What has happened here in the middle of our grief is the true Huskie spirit,” said Student Association President Jarvis Purnell. “The true Huskie spirit exemplifies at its core a sense of endurance and resilience; a Huskie spirit that chooses to remember what happened and honor those we lost along the way.”

The speakers expressed a strong feeling of moving forward after the tragedy.

“Words cannot diminish your grief; we want you to know your children will be remembered with great respect,” said Barbara Peters, wife of President Peters, to parents of the deceased.

While singing the Alma Mater, the audience provided the light in the Convo with small flashlights distributed before the ceremony.

“We will not let darkness alter or extinguish our light,” said Eddie Williams, executive vice president of Finance and Facilities. “Forward, together forward, our light will shine forever more.”

Peters expressed appreciation for the outpouring compassion to help NIU.

“We are not alone,” he said. “We are members of a larger community that has forever been changed by this event.”

Cherilyn Murer, Board of Trustees Chair, thanked the DeKalb and Sycamore communities for their support.

The NIU community lost some of its youth in the tragedy, but gained more in wisdom and fortitude, Murer said.

“We have been challenged and we have responded,” Murer said.

Also during the ceremony, Gov. Rod Blagojevich talked about the honorable actions of those lost in the tragedy; DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer spoke on the impact of the NIU community as members and citizens of DeKalb; and Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) conveyed support from the state government.

Michael Leavitt, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, read a letter on behalf of President George W. Bush, who provided support from the nation as a whole.

Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) was present for the event, but he did not speak to the audience.

Peters commended NIU faculty and staff for diligently preparing to support students.

“We will continue to teach and learn,” Judy Santacaterina, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences adviser, said. “We will heal, we will prevail. We are family; all of us at NIU.”