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Sunlight shone through the wooded grove Saturday afternoon as approximately 100 students, residents, faculty and family members gathered to remember the life of Lindsey M. Bonistall.
Junior John Visconi sat in front of the crowd with his guitar in his lap, explaining why he chose to dedicate a song to Lindsey's memory.
The wind lightly swept through the grove as he softly sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Some joined in singing under their breaths while others brushed tears from their faces.
Prefacing his song, Visconi said this version of a childhood classic was able to touch more than 2,000 people in rush hour on a California freeway.
"Within four minutes, this song changed their lives," he said. "That was the effect Lindsey had on us."
One year after her death, Lindsey's presence will be memorialized by the dedication of a pink Dogwood tree.
University President David P. Roselle said the tree was planted on the side of the path between Memorial Hall and Perkins Student Center where Lindsey, an English major, would have walked often between her classes and The Review.
"It's fitting that we gather here in the height of spring to celebrate Lindsey," Roselle said.
He commented on her vibrant personality and how she touched so many members of the university community.
Junior Nicole Gengaro, a friend of Lindsey's, spoke about how her life would be if Lindsey was still alive.
"I can picture how messy your room would be," Gengaro said. "Or what interesting food you'd have in our fridge."
She said the past year was hard but she has tried to stay positive for Lindsey's sake.
"I held back the tears knowing you'd hate it if I cried," Gengaro said.
Junior Jon Little, another friend of Lindsey's, said she could brighten any day. He recited lines from the song "Bless You" by John Lennon.
"She'll always be part of my life," he said.
Senior Christine Bush, Lindsey's friend and former roommate, addressed her old friend in a reflection on their time together.
"You were my biggest fan and knew me well," Bush said. "I was lost without you.
"I have learned that life will always go on...I feel privileged to have known you."
Mark Bonistall, Lindsey's father, said the memorial was spectacular and he was impressed by the wonderful things said about his daughter.
"Obviously, Lindsey controls the weather," he said, commenting on the beautiful day.
Bonistall said he thinks his daughter would have accomplished a great deal had she not been murdered last May.
"I think she would've changed the world in a positive, positive way," he said.
The memorial was a testament to her ability to affect others, Bonistall said.
"I'd love if Lindsey was here and could see how everyone was touched by her," he said.
Mr. Bonistall made sure to keep the memorial positive by focusing on his activist group, PEACE OUTside campus, which works to promote safety off-campus.
"We have a quote on our T-shirts: 'Peace cannot be achieved by force. It can only be achieved through understanding,' " he said. "That's what I believe."
Newark Mayor Vance A. Funk III said the community turnout was moving and found the ceremony touching.
He recalled the times Lindsey had interviewed him for her newspaper articles.
"She was by far the best reporter I had ever been interviewed by," he said. "She was always calling me back to check her facts.
"I really enjoyed working with her."
Lindsay's cousin, Amy Bonistall, said she would have appreciated the service.
"It's hard," she said. "We just cherish her life. It's a day by day thing."
Monsignor Michael Szupper, after offering a prayer to Lindsey, compared the Dogwood tree to her bubbly personality.
"May this tree be a tree of memory, of honor, of love," he said. "Our memories of Lindsey this day are beyond words, but memories are strong."
Mark Bonistall said the tree would serve as a constant reminder of Lindsey every spring.
"When springtime comes, I'll be looking at that tree and the birds and smiling and remembering Lindsey," he said.
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