Pepperdine University Hosts Four Lights Remembrance Ceremony

MALIBU, Calif. – Today, Pepperdine University hosted the Four Lights Remembrance Ceremony to remember and honor the lives of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. The remembrance ceremony marked the one-year anniversary of their tragic passing and served as a space for prayer, reflection, and community.

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“We are still grieving,” said Pepperdine President Jim Gash. “Our hearts remain heavy. We weep with the families of Niamh, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn, and we weep with one another. In our grief, we find strength in leaning on each other and on a God who comforts us in all our affliction. We find hope in the One who is the Resurrection and the Life. Today as we stand not far from the beautiful Four Lights memorial, we honor, remember, and mourn the four young women who meant so much to our community. We feel the weight of their absence and we are inspired by the light of their example. We walk forward—in grief and in hope—together.”

The remembrance ceremony included a message from Pepperdine President Jim Gash, remarks by Vice President for Spiritual Life Tim Spivey, a homily by Vice President for Student Affairs Connie Horton, as well as musical arrangements and readings from members of the community. Following the service, attendees were invited to light candles in memory of the students and visit the Four Lights Memorial outside Stauffer Chapel.

“Sadness lives in our hearts because it reminds us of how much we miss the love we once had,” said Myers Mentzer, Student Body President. “One year later, all of the same emotions of heartbreak, fear, and confusion are still there. Although there is something new that has arisen from this place. There is unity, gratitude for life, and a desire to seek the best of the moments that we are not promised. The remembrance of Asha, Peyton, Deslyn, and Niamh unites us. It shows us that we are made for something greater and that our souls yearn for a place where we can call home.”

About 400 members of the Pepperdine community attended the remembrance ceremony at Pepperdine’s Amphitheater in Malibu.

About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

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