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Posted: Tuesday, 03 November 2009 9:12AM
Vigil Held For Slain DePaul Student
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CHICAGO (CBS/WBBM) ― DePaul University is grieving the loss of a standout senior honors student, who was gunned down at a Halloween Party in Humboldt Park over the weekend.
The Depaul University Library quad was filled last night with music and illuminated by hundreds of candles as friends and family remembered 21-year old Frankie Valencia.
"There is no one like Francisco Valencia. His story, his character, his humor, the way he lived his life for others is to be admired," said friend and residential advisor supervisor Ellen Herion.
"I am blessed to have known Frankie. I am a better person because of it," added Herion.
They lit candles in his memory, and to honor the work he did as a political science student to bring people together.
One student said Valencia on track to become "A Latino Obama."
His friends wept and sang "Lean on Me," to salute the young man known for saying, "We are the future. How will you make it better? How will you be remembered?"
Chicago Police have no suspects in custody in connection with the shooting. They are still questioning people who were at a party where the shooting occurred.
Meanwhile, students are trying to cope with a huge loss to the university.
Grief counselors are on hand to talk to students and faculty at the DePaul Lincoln Park Campus.
"Whenever anyone gets shot, it affects everyone," said student Nicholais Dimmit. "People are just kind of quiet and solemn."
Frankie Valencia, 21, was shot and killed at the party in the 1700 block of North Rockwell Street around 1:15 a.m. Sunday. Chicago Police say an unwanted guest was escorted out, but returned with a gun and opened fire.
Another DePaul student, Daisy Camacho, was shot and wounded in the incident.
Valencia, of the 5000 block of West Strong Street, was pronounced dead less than three hours later at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
DePaul officials describe Valencia as a very involved and dedicated student who was recently named a Lincoln Laureate, having received an award given annually to one student at each of the state's four-year universities. The award honors excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.
It seems like everyone on campus knew him.
"He was an R.A. on the 6th floor. I live in Clifton on the second floor, so I've met him once or twice," said student Katie Beach. "I was shocked. I was so scared; just the fact that it was someone on campus that a lot of people did know."
The shooting sent shock waves through the normally peaceful campus.
"I just think it's really upsetting and unfortunate," said student Morgan Rudy. "I've heard that he was such a great guy, such a standout leader on campus."
"For me personally, there's a mix of still not really believing that this has happened, and also at the same time, being really upset and angry. This is senseless," said Vijay Pendakur, DePaul University's Director of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Kory Kovachevich was a psychology classmate, and says their professor singled out Valencia as a class leader.
"Just an outstanding individual. From the moment you met him, was the most genuine and sincere person that you could ever imagine," said student Kory Kovachevich. "This is an unbelievable shock to everyone at DePaul University."
"Frankie lived the mission of DePaul, and that was to give to those who are less fortunate," said Eric Mata, Assistant Director of Men of Color, DePaul University.
Valencia said on the DePaul Web site that in his free time, he enjoyed playing pick-up sports with friends and reading outside.
"After graduation, I plan to keeping moving forward in life," Valencia said in the profile. "I believe it is important to figure out what life-path suits us and then gain experience that affect the growth of our potential."
Valencia's goal was to work on a political campaign in the Chicago area, according to the site. Valencia was a graduate of Lincoln Park High School and was expected to graduate in June 2010 with a political science degree.
"Frankie really believed that we could change the world, and at a time when everyone is so cynical, Frankie's belief that change is possible was infectious," Pendakur said.
Officials say Valencia may not have been the intended target—but the shooter was allegedly angry with the people in the house and began shooting erratically, police said.
Camacho was in stable condition at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, authorities said.
Chicago Police are still searching for the gunman.
Francisco Valencia student profile HERE
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Copyright MMVIX CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The STNG Wire and WBBM contributed to this report.
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