The Alpha chapter of Delta Psi Alpha suffered the loss of one of its members, Ryanne “Aria” Mace, at the Northern Illinois University shooting on Feb 14.
Thirty people attended a candlelight vigil held in Mace’s honor the next day.
TAMIU’s Delta Psi Alpha president, Jacqueline Gonzalez, explained the coed fraternity’s reaction when news of the shooting first spread.
“The situation was tense and hectic because while the Alpha chapter experienced it firsthand, we here at the Gamma chapter were suffering at a distance. Our fraternity is a tight-knit family and not knowing [if] your family is safe is nerve wracking!”
However, Gonzalez and the other members of Delta Psi Alpha were not left in the dark for long.
“All of the Delta Psi Alpha chapters keep constant and open communications with each other; through the use of MySpace, cellular phones, texting and Internet chatting, we keep in touch,” said Gonzalez.
An hour and a half after the shooting, Gonzalez learned about Ryanne “Aria” Mace and NIU’s chapter president, Maria “Inspiracion” Ruiz. While Mace was killed, Ruiz was wounded.
Gonzalez said that Ruiz is a second-year member whose wounds sent her into the intensive care unit at the local hospital. Gonzalez added that Ruiz and Mace were best friends.
Ruiz is due to be released soon. Mace’s funeral services were held Feb. 18.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Board for Delta Psi Alpha has opened an account for donations. The account, opened two days after the shooting, has raised $1,500.
“The funds are going to be used to assist with funeral and medical expenses for our brothers and sisters affected by this crisis,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez encourages everyone to lend a helping hand and donate.
“People can visit www.deltapsialpha.com to make donations. Simply click the gold-colored donate button at the bottom left-hand corner.”
“Mace was a bright, friendly, and wonderful person who is sorely missed,” Gonzalez said. “We’re currently struggling with the fact that Ruiz is unaware of Mace’s death.”
Gonzalez expects Ruiz’s family will break the news to her.
“Ruiz’s blood brother is also a fraternity brother, so he knows the details and perhaps the best way to tell his sister about her best friend.”
In a crisis of this magnitude, Gonzalez encourages counseling.
“Some of our NIU sisters and brothers have already sought counseling and expressed gratitude for their counselors; and we’re always here for one another to listen, talk and pray.”