Members of our UNLV family came together for a student organized candlelight vigil last night to honor the victims of Sunday’s tragic shooting. This is a difficult and painful time for all of us.

Our thoughts continue to be with everyone impacted by this tragedy. We share a deep sense of loss that has rippled through our campus, community, and nation.

Having a place where we come together and talk, in classes, during the vigil, and in gathering spaces across campus, gives us all an opportunity to begin to heal as a community.

We are learning through media reports and through family and friends of UNLV students, alumni, and employees who were directly affected by the shooting. Local officials will release names of victims as their investigation allows.

In such difficult times, we are heartened by—and grateful for—the many ways in which we join together to support one another. UNLV Police and Thomas & Mack Center staff quickly mobilized to take in evacuees. Generous individuals brought in blankets, water, food, and offered free transportation to those in need. Our counselors offered support for evacuees, and continue to provide resources for our students, faculty, and staff. CSUN and the Residence Hall Association swiftly organized the candlelight vigil that was attended by more than 800 hundred people.

UNLV and Las Vegas is our home, and it is made up of remarkable individuals — people who don’t hesitate to come to the aid of those in need. We will move forward together, and continue to demonstrate our unwavering strength in this time of adversity.

Thank you for being a part of this university and community. Together we are #VegasStrong.