DeKALB - The outpouring of aid and sympathy Northern Illinois University received following a deadly shooting on campus should remind those struggling with the tragedy that they "are not islands, but bridges" to each other, the school's president said at a memorial service Sunday. | Photo Gallery | ISU NIU Vigil | Video

In honor of the five students killed in the Feb. 14 shooting in a crowded lecture hall, five bouquets of red and white flowers were placed on the stage of the Convocation Center, where the memorial was held. Outside the arena, school officials had posted a large banner reading, "Forward, together forward."

"This past week, I have seen despair and I have seen hope," NIU President John G. Peters said. "I have seen deep sorrow of the five victims' families, but I have seen your courage and I have seen your strength."

Classes were scheduled to resume today for the first time since the shooting, in which NIU graduate Steve Kazmierczak opened fire in a classroom, killing five and injuring 17 before committing suicide.

Early in the hour-long service, a photo of each of the slain students was projected on screens around the arena as their names were read aloud. A choir sang the gospel hymn, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."

The 12,000-seat Convocation Center was filled to capacity, and overflow viewing areas were set up around the campus, located about 65 miles west of Chicago. The memorial was simulcast to gatherings at Illinois State University, at other locations across the country and in Iraq.

Every student mourned in his or her own way Sunday night. Some cheered and clapped. Others bowed their heads, elbows on their knees, in prayer. Others clutched a loved one.

"For all of those who seek healing, your presence here tonight wraps us in a warm embrace and reminds us that we are not alone," Peters told the students, faculty members, staff and community members in the audience.

"We are not islands, but bridges - bridges to each other, and bridges to the world," Peters said. "In the days and weeks ahead, let our message to the world be one of hope, let it be one of healing and the indomitable Huskie spirit. In the end, that is how all of us can honor the memories of five beautiful young people who are not with us this evening."

Among others who spoke during the service were DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who said he was speaking for the entire Illinois congressional delegation.

Illinois' other senator - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama - sat stoically on the stage watching the proceedings, but did not make any remarks. Afterward, he met quietly with the family of at least one of the victims.

School officials said the memorial was meant to celebrate the lives of the slain students and pay tribute to the injured, none of whom spoke during the service. They also hope it will begin the campus' process of moving forward, a sentiment echoed in the remarks of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who urged those present to help each other as they sought "to heal and to return this university to its proper place of higher learning."

Blagojevich talked briefly about each victim: Daniel Parmenter, 20, remembered by an adviser as a "gentle giant"; Catalina Garcia, 20, who wanted to be a teacher; Gayle Dubowski, 20, a gifted musician; Ryanne Mace, 19, who wanted to be a counselor; and Julianna Gehant, 32, a military veteran.

"Now they are lost, but still loved. Their memory is a blessing - not just because of their spirit and intelligence, their love and their laughter, their curiosity and their friendship," Blagojevich said. "Their memory is a blessing because it compels us all to search for meaning."

Near the end of the service, members of the crowd were asked to turn on small flashlights they were provided. The lights in the arena were turned off while a choir sang the NIU school song.

"We are healing, NIU. Our hearts are heavy, but our minds are resolute," Peters said after the song ended. "We will not allow ourselves to be defined by this tragedy."

Elizabeth Darrow, a 21-year-old education major from Zion, had tears pouring down her cheeks behind her glasses as she made her way out of the arena with two friends. She said attending the memorial brought the shootings home for her.

"It made it more real," she said, sniffling and wiping the tears away. "It helps to process it. It's a reality check."

While classes are not resuming until today, the school asked faculty and staff to return last week to receive training in how to help students adjust to the changed atmosphere at NIU, which has an enrollment of about 25,000 students.

In addition to some 550 counselors - expected to staff each classroom, academic department and dormitory - the student counseling center is extending its hours indefinitely.

Plans for a memorial for the victims are still in their infancy. No decision has been made on the future of Cole Hall, where the shooting took place, but it will be closed for the rest of the semester.

On the Net:

Northern Illinois University: www.niu.edu