Candlelight vigil illuminates a night of remembrance and awareness

Under the warm glow of candlelight outside Hendricks Chapel students gathered for a night devoted to remembrance and safe driving awareness. Sunday night marked Phi Kappa Psi’s 8th annual candlelight vigil that honored the lives of Hunter Brooks Watson and Vincent (Vinny) Gian Maugeri, who both tragically passed away in 2016 due to distracted driving incidents. 

The event was part of an effort to support the Hunter Brooks Watson Memorial Fund, which is committed to preventing unnecessary deaths due to unsafe driving. The efforts are not limited to SU; the campaign hosts events nationwide to raise funds and awareness for safe driving habits. Safe Driving Week is part of Phi Kappa Psi’s philanthropy efforts.

Jerry Watson, the father of Hunter Watson, spoke to those who gathered for the vigil. He asked students to think of their loved ones and the toll it would take if either they or the students themselves were hurt in an accident. Mr. Watson called on students to consider their youth and the time they have ahead of them, urging them not to risk it while driving.

The atmosphere of the night was pensive and emotional. With hands cupped around their candles, many students held their heads down, with their eyes closed. After the vigil had ended, students hugged each other and cracked quiet jokes. This was not just a night of grief but of happy remembrance as well and a desire to do good in the name of two people’s memories.