Campus community to remember five who died in fire

COLUMBUS – Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman will join students, friends and family members at a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (4/23) at Mershon Auditorium for the five students who died in the April 13 fire on 17th Ave.

“A Community Remembers” is the theme for the event, which will honor Ohio State students Kyle Raulin and Alan Schlessman and Ohio University students Erin DeMarco, Andrea Dennis and Christine Wilson. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. No tickets or reservations are needed, and free parking is available in the Ohio Union garage.

The service will feature reflections from Terry Raulin and John Schlessman, two of the victims’ fathers, and from Matt Brown, a friend of both young men. In addition, USG President Eddie Pauline; Terrence J. Hogan, Ohio University dean of students; and the Rev. Donald Wallick of the University Interfaith Association will offer remarks and a sacred reading, respectively. The service is expected to last about an hour.

Note: A walk-through for electronic media who are interested in carrying the event live is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at Mershon Auditorium.

WHAT: A memorial service, titled “A Community Remembers,” will feature reflections, readings and music.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (4/23).

WHERE: Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.

WHY: To commemorate the lives of the five students who died in a fire April 13th on 17th Ave.