More than 100 people joined hands and bowed their heads in silent reflection as part of a vigil held in remembrance of those affected by the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia last month.

Local leaders and students spoke in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union on Wednesday night before attendees braved the cold to hold a short candlelight vigil on the Memorial Union Terrace.

Many speakers lauded the global community for aiding those hurt by the disaster. Tahira Hira, assistant to the president for external relations and executive administration, said she was pleased with the caring exhibited by everyone.

Azhari Rasuman, junior in architecture from the Philippines, spoke of hearing the news and his mother’s frantic calls for word from her family living in Indonesia. Fourteen family members perished in the disaster. As a Muslim, Rasuman said he sees the tsunami as God’s trial and does not question why the disaster occurred. Positive things have come out of tragedy, Rasuman said. War and differences of opinion have not divided the world when it comes to aiding those devastated.

“This reminds us we are all equal in this world,” he said. “The tsunami has brought together humanity.”

Annette Poduska, sophomore in health and human performance, said she came to hear more sides than what she has heard in the news. She said she’s enjoyed observing people’s willingness to give whatever change they have in their pockets.

“I thought it was meaningful to see how it hit home in Iowa, even though it hit halfway around the world,” Poduska said.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy encouraged people to do what they can to help and applauded the students who have been working to raise money.

“I’m extremely proud of how ISU students have responded,” Geoffroy said.

Donation boxes from the Tsunami Relief Project were available for those wishing to give monetary aid.

Alison Lima, leader of the project and senior in biology, said the group has raised about $2,500 so far.

Collections end Friday and the money will go to the American Red Cross Tsunami/Earthquake Emergency Response 2004 Fund next week.