“Celia was a woman of greatness — great faith, great joy, great love.”

“My parents called her their European daughter. She was more than my teammate, roommate and friend. She was my sister.”

“Her love for her family and their love for her and for you made her so open and warm and confident and loving. She became all that she was because of their love and your love.”

“The civil engineering department has experienced a great loss, but I know that when I see a helpful smile in Town Engineering again, I’ll be reminded of Celia. She was an exceptional civil engineer, golfer, classmate and friend and we’ll carry her legacy in our hearts in the civil engineering department.”

“I am extremely proud to be a part of the city, this state and this country and call ISU our home. I’d imagine Cel could say the same things. She was as Cyclone as you could get — you have no idea. There wasn’t a day that she wasn’t wearing the colors.”

These were just a few of the quotes shared at the candlelight vigil honoring slain Iowa State student and star golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena. On Wednesday evening, nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered north of the Campanile on Central Campus.

Standing together were Celia’s friends, teammates, professors, coaches and those impacted by Celia both in life and in death. Hopefully, the opportunity to share her significance will allow for the healing process to begin as Cyclones continue to mourn.

It also allowed for those in attendance to learn more about who Celia was and reshape the narrative surrounding her death. The vigil allows for Celia to be remembered more for the energetic, bright and loving woman that she was rather than her the circumstances of her untimely death.

Hopefully, the vigil will also be a step toward closure for those most touched by Celia during her life, including her boyfriend, coach, family and friends.

What happened to Celia is tragic. No one should have their life torn from them, especially at a place where they once found solace. The golf course was just as much home to Celia as was Spain or Iowa State and it is deeply heartbreaking that even on a Monday morning in broad daylight, someone decided to commit a random and brutal attack against her.

It is also important that during these difficult times for the Iowa State and Ames community to reach out to your loved ones and let them know how much you care. 

In the words of Celia’s boyfriend, “If you came with a significant other, please remind them on your way home how much you love them. I was so happy I was able to say it on my way out on Monday morning from home. I’d love all of you to do the same , [if you] have the blessing to have somebody to love that much.”