UMKC united with Rockhurst University on Tuesday afternoon at Durwood Stadium to sign cards dedicated to the hospitals taking care of Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade shooting victims and sympathy cards for Lisa Lopez-Galvan’s family.
Tables lined the track with giant cards and markers, inviting dozens of students and faculty, including Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, to participate in signing. Some students were glad to see many participants in this event, despite the circumstances that caused their attendance.
“I was at the rally. It was very intense to be there and see everything unfold. I just feel my deepest sorrows for everyone involved,” said Mackenzie Herberer, a freshman biology major. “It’s amazing to see all the support and love that our community is showing right now.”
Rev. Stephen Hess, the vice president of mission and ministry for Rockhurst, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of utilizing the event to further taking actions toward ending violence by advocating for justice and peace.
“This is a very symbolic moment because this is a time when two universities come together, from a variety of faith traditions and churches,” Hess said. “It reminds us that we are all one.
Throughout the event, people clustered at the tables to sign. They filled the cards with sentiments of appreciation for the staff of Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and University Health. They also shared their condolences for the Lopez-Galvan family by signing with notes of empathy and encouragement.
A week after the shooting at Union Station, a single patient remains in critical condition at University Health. All 12 patients treated by Children’s Mercy Hospital are expected to make a full recovery.
An interfaith prayer service will be held at the Rockhurst campus bell tower on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. to honor the victims and first responders of the Chief’s Parade Shootings.
