More than 250 people gathered Thursday in Rollins Chapel to remember Sarah Devens '96, the three-sport athlete who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound one week ago today.
In an informal ceremony that lasted more than an hour, administrators, alumni, coaches, professors and students exchanged stories about the outgoing and energetic Devens, a star player on the women's field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse teams.
"It was a mixture of tears and laughter," said assistant women's lacrosse coach Marianne Bocock.
After the discussion, attendees walked in a candlelight procession to the Bema, where they formed a circle and blew out their candles in turn after making comments about Devens.
"I thought it was a very fitting service," said women's field hockey coach Julie Dayton. "The mood was very sad, but also very upbeat."
Earlier Thursday, a memorial service was held in Devens' home town of Beverly Farms, Mass. The College will hold a formal memorial service for Devens in the fall, when more students are on campus, 1996 Class Dean Kate Burke said last week.
"I thought it was a wonderful tribute to a very special person and I think people had wonderful and moving stories to tell about their friendship with Sarah," Dean of the College Lee Pelton said. "It was also a time for a lot of people to begin a grieving process."
