‘THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE SADDEST WEEKS IN THE HISTORY OF AUBURN UNIVERSITY’
—AU President Jay Gogue
MARIETTA, Ga. and AUBURN — Memorials held in Auburn and in Marietta, Ga., celebrated the life and memory of Lauren Burk.
Students and faculty gathered at the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum Monday afternoon for a memorial service.
President Jay Gogue said the memorial was a way for Auburn students to grieve the tragedy together.
“The Auburn family has lost one of our own, and we feel that loss deeply in our hearts,” he said. “The memorial service provides a fitting way to mourn and remember Lauren and begin the healing process for the many who are touched by this tragedy.”
Students mourn: the loss of student Lauren Burk at a memorial service Monday afternoon. Burk, 18, a freshman in pre-graphic design, died last Tuesday after suffering a gunshot wound. Pete Riley / PHOTO EDITOR
At the service, Gogue said everyone should support each other.
“There are times in which the grief is so large that we have to share it,” he said.
He said the events of last week were tragic.
“This has been one of the saddest weeks in the history of Auburn,” he said.
Gogue said Burk’s father said the Auburn family meant everything to him, and Auburn would always remember her.
“She will forever be a part of the Auburn family,” he said.
Dean of Students Johnny Green told students he commends them for how they have reacted to the loss.
“I’m proud of you for demonstrating the quality of character that Auburn women and men are known for,” Green said.
He said the world is now missing some goodness, but everyone can honor Burk through their lifestyles.
“May we each in our own way spread some goodness in the world,” Green said.
SGA President Lauren Hayes also encouraged the crowd to honor Burk through their lifestyles.
“I encourage us all to celebrate her life by living ours honorably and to the fullest,” she said.
Alison Penuel, the president of Delta Gamma sorority, said the Auburn family has been sympathetic during the past week.
“Auburn’s support system is like no other,” Penuel said. “All the thoughts and prayers mean so much to us.”
Crowds also gathered Saturday in Marietta, Ga., at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Burk.
Thomas Nelson, a minister to college students at the church, said he feels confident that God is in control, despite the tragedy.
“We live in a broken world,” Nelson said. “If God despises when innocent blood is shed, it must mean he’s right here with us.”
Nelson also said 775 people are friends with Burk on Facebook and more than 15,000 people are in her support group.
“I think that says a lot about Lauren,” Nelson said.
He encouraged everyone to live life to the fullest.
“This life is short,” Nelson said. “Run it with all you got.”
Burk’s boyfriend, Sean McQuade, also spoke at the memorial.
He said Burk was the most amazing person he had ever met.
“Her happiness was infectious,” McQuade said. “There was nothing not to love.”
He said he is thankful for the time he was able to spend with Burk.
“She was my better half, and I’m grateful for every second I had with her,” he said. “She made the past two years of my life the best.”
Johanna Cooper, who had been best friends with Burk since elementary school, said Burk has had a strong impact on her life.
“I know for a fact Lauren helped make me into the person I am today,” Cooper said.
Cooper said Burk sent her a Valentine’s Day card only a few weeks ago. Inside the card, Burk wrote, “Johanna, everything happens for a reason.”
She said she finds hope in the words and believes Burk accomplished a great deal in her lifetime.
“I believe she was put on this earth for 18 and a half years to touch the lives of people around her,” she said.
Bryant Wright, the senior pastor at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, told college students to be cautious during the coming weeks.
“You’re at a time in your life when it’s easy to feel invincible,” he said. “It’s a reminder of how vulnerable we all can be.”
Wright encouraged the crowd to be strong during this hard time.
“May you keep on keeping on,” he said.
