Caldwell University Holds Candlelight Walk to Support Nepalese Students and Alumni

Hundreds of students and staff in the Caldwell University community gathered for a candlelight walk in support of its Nepalese students and alumni on April 29.

The event was conducted in sympathy with the victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal on April 25.

Colette Liddy, director of media relations at Caldwell University, told Patch that the university currently has 33 Nepalese students, as well as many alumni from that nation.

The evening included remarks from Nepalese students and Caldwell University staff and administration, a minute of silence, prayers, music, videos and a candlelight walk to the campus peace pole.

“Together as a community, we mourn for the loss experienced by our students and their family members,” said President Nancy Blattner.

Vice President for Student Life Sister Kathleen Tuite introduced the event, speaking about the university’s love for its Nepalese students and alumni and how the earthquake has impacted the entire campus.

Maulin Joshi, director of international student services and advisor of the International Student Organization, introduced a prayer and reflection and showed a video of Nepal before and after the earthquake. ​​

Hritesh Regmi, a student from Nepal and a communication arts major, stated that for the Nepalese students the extent of the trauma is incomprehensible.

“The idea of walking around our hometown and nothing being the same is disorienting,” Regmi emphasized.

RELIEF EFFORTS

According to a release, students at the university are raising money for the America Nepal Medical Foundation and have set up a Facebook site titled: “Caldwell University Prays for Nepal.”

Regmi said the response of the Caldwell University community has been incredible in helping the students process the tragedy and assist them in their outreach and fundraising efforts.

“The whole nation may be disoriented, but our friends in the global community are still helping us find our feet,” Regmi said. “Let’s continue to do what we can, and let’s continue to pray for Nepal.”

Blattner said the university is committed to supporting the Nepalese students and alums now, and in the future.

“In the days, weeks and months to come, we will work with you to raise money to be sent to Nepal for the humanitarian efforts underway to assist the survivors who already are working to rebuild,” she promised.

Photos courtesy of Colette Liddy

Photo captions: Students and staff at Caldwell University participate in a candlelight walk in support of the victims of the April 25 earthquake in Nepal.

Send Caldwell area news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com