BOCA RATON – Lynn University is planning to hold an on-campus memorial service March 12 at 2 p.m. to honor the four students and two professors who died during last month’s earthquake in Haiti.
Open to the public, the event will be held in the de Hoernle Sports and Cultural Center. Doors will open at 1 p.m., allowing for an overflow of guests. An overflow viewing area will be available.
The four students and two faculty members who perished during the Haiti earthquake were on a “Journey of Hope” mission to bring food to the poor of Haiti. They became caught up in the earthquake while staying at the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince.
Of the 12 students who went on the trip, eight survived and have returned home. After a long and arduous search, rescuers discovered the remains of the four remaining students and two staff members.
The memorial will celebrate the lives of students Britney Gengel, 19, of Rutland, Mass.; Christine Gianacaci, 22, of Hopewell, N.J,; Courtney Hayes, 23, of Douglas, Ga.; and Stephanie Crispinelli, 19, of Katonah, NY., faculty member Dr. Richard Bruno, 59, and Lynn education school dean Patrick Hartwick, 53, both of Boca Raton.
All Lynn University classes will be canceled on Friday, March 12, to allow students and faculty the opportunity to attend the service.
No additional details regarding the service are available at this time.