The Valencia College community gathered together to pay respects to the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shootings on Wednesday, June 15th at the Performing Arts Center on its East Campus.

Seven of the victims belonged to Valencia College community.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the victims, families and friends whose lives are forever altered by this senseless attack. We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and medical teams who risked their lives and rendered care and assistance. This was not only an attack on the LGBTQ+ and Latino community but an attack on all of us and our city beautiful,” as said by Valencia College’s Facebook page event.  

The program was sponsored by the Peace and Justice Institute and Student Government Association. It included multiple speakers representing Valencia and Orlando’s diverse community. Students and faculty placed a flower for each victim in a basket at the end of the ceremony while a slide show played on in the background.

“Our hearts are broken, but our pulse is strong. Together we stand in solidarity.

Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla