Campus Carrier Editorial Board
After a great misfortune in the Berry community, the campus is pulling together to offer support.
On Sunday morning, students and faculty received an email with tragic news that senior Lizzie Hendrix’s parents and siblings had been killed. Dean of students Debbie Heida sent the email and asked faculty and students for their thoughts and prayers for Hendrix.
Berry pulled together in a number of ways to show that we are here for support in the time of need for one of our own.
On Sunday afternoon, the Chaplain’s Office sent a reminder that the College Chapel would be open for those wishing to offer their prayers and that a special service would be held that evening. Since then, the office has also created a book of prayers and condolences. The book was available to the entire college body to contribute to through Monday and into Tuesday, when the chapel held another special prayer service. The book is now available to sign at the information desk in Krannert lobby.
The Student Government Association also provided an opportunity to offer support with a campaign held Tuesday in Krannert. SGA’s support was highlighted in a letter writing campaign which allowed students and faculty to send letters, pictures or other messages of support. With the letters, the campaign collected donations for Southeast Elementary, where Hendrix worked.
A funeral fund was founded on the fund raising website Go Fund Me where people could offer condolences and support by donating money. The fund’s main website comments on how any donation is welcome “even if it’s just $1.” However, the fund has received much more than a dollar in support, as it has raised over $40,000 since Feb. 16 and has been contributed to by over 500 people. The fund raised over $10,000 in four hours and even had one anonymous contributor donate $10,000. If searching to donate, it can be found by going onto the website Go Fund Me and searching for “Hendrix’s Funeral Cost Fundraiser.”
Supporters can also donate money through the Berry Student Emergency Relief Fund which is run by the Chaplain’s Office. Donations to this fund can be made via the cashier’s window located on the second floor of Hermann Hall.
The latest information the Berry community has received is an email from Heida issued Wednesday afternoon with a statement from the student’s family thanking everyone for their support. The school is also putting together a bus trip for a limited number of members of the Berry community to attend the funeral service.
In a time of need, the Berry community must come together and show that we care, will support and are here if needed. We are a community and we must show that we can provide support because at times like this, that support is needed.
If you wish to donate, you can drop by the cashier’s window in Hermann Hall or go to the website.