CSULB Vigil Mourns Loss, Celebrates Life Of Nohemi Gonzalez: Hardworking, Creative Design Student, Killed In Paris Terrorist Attack

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(Nov. 15, 2015) -- CSULB's Student Union ballroom was filled beyond capacity -- we estimate at least 500 people -- for a dignified, well-planned and heartfelt ceremony, culminating with a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Nohemi Gonzalez, 23, a CSULB Design student spending a semester in Paris who perished in the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks.

LBREPORT.com provides extended video coverage of today's event. To view it, click here or icon below.

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The event was organized and presented by CSULB and focused on Ms. Gonzalez's campus connections. Local elected officials attended (including Mayor Garcia, Assemblyman O'Donnell, City Prosecutor Haubert, Police Chief Luna, not a complete list) but didn't speak. Speakers included CSULB President Jane Close Conoley and CSU Chancellor Timothy White -- who read a poem composed in Ms. Gonzalez's honor U.S. Poet Laureate, Juan Felipe Herrera.

Also speaking was Christophe Lemoine, Consul General of France who conveyed his condoldences. CSULB Design Dept. Chair Martin Herman and students in his Department shared their recollections of Ms. Gonzalez, whom they described as hardworking, energetic and creative. One of her classmates read heartfelt messages emailed from CSULB students currently studying in Paris.

Ms. Gonzalez's boyfriend of four years, Tim Mraz, delivered an emotional remembrance. Members of Ms. Gonzalez's family were present, including her mother and stepfather. Her stepfather spoke, expressing the family's gratitude for the outpouring of support.

The crowd assembled outside as dusk fell; a choir sang; Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. offered uplifting words...and candles were lit, bringing light to the darkness.