— This story was updated 0n 6/17/16 with the names of the victims and edited to reflect past events.
— This story was updated on 6/15/2016 with additional program details.
Students, faculty and staff stand united in solidarity with the LGBT community and the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando. Various MDC campuses planned candlelight vigils and memorial activities that took place this past week.
A Safe Share
Wednesday, June 15 at 12 noon
InterAmerican Campus – 627 S.W. 27 Ave., Room 3103
Dr. Gregg Pizzi, a licensed psychologist with extensive experience working with the LGBT community, will lead a discussion on the tragic event that occurred in Orlando. Dr. Pizzi will address the event from a therapeutic perspective and invite sharing and reflection from those present. This is an opportunity to talk with others and find community.
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North Campus Memorial
Wednesday, June 15 at 12:30 p.m.
North Campus – 11380 N.W. 27 Ave., Building 1 Breezeway
The campus’ Science Complex will be illuminated in pride colors and balloons placed throughout with names of the 49 who were murdered. The North Campus will also host a blood drive for the survivors of the shooting the entire week.
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Freedom Tower Illumination
Thursday, June 16 at sundown (approximately 8 p.m.)
Candleight Vigil at 7:30 p.m.
Freedom Tower at the Wolfson Campus – 600 Biscayne Blvd.
MDC will illuminate its historic Freedom Tower at the Wolfson Campus, the community’s most important symbol of liberty and hope, in pride colors. The lighting is presented in collaboration with SAVE, South Florida’s leading organization dedicated to protecting LGBT persons against discrimination.
The Freedom Tower lighting will be preceded by a candlelight vigil at 7:30 p.m. SAVE Dade Executive Director Tony Lima and Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez will deliver remarks. Wolfson Campus students will read the names of the 49 victims killed and New World School of the Arts students will perform “Will I” from the musical Rent.
Program for MDC’s Candlelight Vigil and Freedom Tower Lighting:
Welcome & Opening Remarks:
Dr. Rick Soria, MDC Wolfson Campus, Campus President
Chorus Performance:
Miami Gay Men’s Chorus performing “Imagine” or “Lean on Me”
Guest Speaker:
Reverend Ben Evans from Trinity Episcopal
Student Speaker:
James Louis, MDC Wolfson Campus, SGA President
Student Speaker:
Thabet Alrifai, MDC Wolfson Campus Student
Guest Speaker:
Mr. Tony Lima, Executive Director of SAVE
Chorus Performance:
Moonamie’s Production of Rent comprised of students from Miami Dade College, alumni, and The New World School of the Arts performing “Will I?”
Guest Speaker:
Mr. David Richardson, Florida Representative
Guest Speaker:
Mr. Jose Javier Rodriguez, Florida Representative
Student Speaker:
Katherine Granados, Vice President of MDC Pride
Reading of Victims’ Names:
Jaime Anzalotta, MDC Wolfson Campus, Dean of Students
Lighting of Freedom Tower:
Dr. Rick Soria, MDC Wolfson Campus President
Guest Speaker:
Reverend Dean Mcabe from Trinity Episcopal
Chorus Performance:
Moonamie’s Production of Rent comprised of students from Miami Dade College, alumni, and The New World School of the Arts performing “Seasons of Love”
In Memoriam