Purple ribbons adorning the black robes of today's graduates are not there for decoration -- they are being worn in remembrance of Professors Half and Susanne Zantop.
The ribbon distribution was planned by two earth science department graduate students, Todd Myse and Margaret Quinn, both of whom knew Half Zantop personally.
Half Zantop was a professor in the earth sciences department and Susanne Zantop was chair of the German studies department. The couple was found murdered in their Etna, N.H., home on January 27.
Purple ribbons were chosen because purple was Susanne's favorite color, Myse said. Approximately 2000 of the ribbons were purchased using funds provided by the earth sciences department. Each ribbon bears the inscription, "Half & Susanne."
Quinn cited Half as an important influence on her decision to pursue studies in earth sciences.
"He was just a very, very, very special person, and from what I gather from other people, Susanne was the same way," Myse said. It's amazing how many lives they touched."
Myse stressed that wearing the ribbons is "purely voluntary," and in no way should students feel obligated to wear them.
Ribbons were distributed free to each of the groups walking in Commencement today on different occasions. Undergraduates had the opportunity to pick up the ribbons in Leede Arena.
Two teenagers from Chelsea, Vt. have been arrested in connection with the stabbing deaths of the professors. Robert Tulloch, 17, will be tried in January on two counts of first degree murder. An indictment against James Parker, 16, is awaiting his certification to stand trial as an adult. Police have not released a motive for the murders.