Oct. 10, 1999

Candlelight Vigil and Peter, Paul and Mary in concert

More than 600 people attended a candlelight vigil in Prexy's Pasture on the University of Wyoming campus the evening of Oct. 10 to observe the one-year anniversary of the death of gay UW student Matthew Shepard. Shepard died from a beating by assailants on the outskirts of Laramie. Many believe his attackers committed the crime because he was gay. Vigil speakers spoke out against intolerance and hate while participants lit candles and signed a pledge of nonviolence.
      (Real Media vigil excerpts: President Philip L. Dubois: High Speed | 56k    ASUW Vice President Stephanie Olson:  High Speed  |  56k )

Following the vigil,  Folk legends Peter, Paul and Mary performed in the College of Arts and Sciences auditorium. The concert, "Light One Candle, An Evening With Peter, Paul and Mary," was part of UW's 1999 Homecoming activities and a memorial for Shepard. Shepard's parents and other family members attended the special event which drew a sold-out crowd of 2,000.
      (Real Media concert highlights : High Speed | 56k)

The following photographs of the evening's events were taken by Ed Rasmussen, UW Photo Service. Click on images for enlargement.

A music group from St. Paul's Newman Center perform at the Candlelight Vigil. The vigil was organized by the Catholic campus ministry.	More than 600 people attended a candlelight vigil in Prexy's Pasture.	UW President Philip L. Dubois speaks at the Candlelight Vigil. His remarks can be found here.
Brooklin Trover, a UW education major, speaks about the need for tolerance and inclusion.	Vigil participants light candles as they prepare for a procession to the A&S auditorium and the Peter, Paul and Mary concert.	The Candlelight Vigil drew members from the University and Laramie community, as well as people from across the nation.
Candlelight Vigil participants signed a pledge of nonviolence.	A sold-out crowd of 2,000 attended "Light One Candle, An Evening With Peter, Paul and Mary" in the A&S auditorium.	Legendary folk singers Noel Paul Stookey, Mary Travers and Peter Yarrow perform.
On stage with Peter, Paul and Mary are Matthew Shepard's parents and family (right)  with UW President Philip L. Dubois. Lights at the bottom of the stage are electric candles held by audience members.	Peter, Paul and Mary embrace Shepard family members.	Matthew Shepard Resource Site Rolling Stone coverage