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LOGAN COLE |
Logan Cole, the teenage victim in the West Liberty-Salem school shooting, will receive Urbana University’s inaugural Knights’ Peace Award.
The award, established in conjunction with the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund, will be presented during halftime of the Blue Knights’ home football game Saturday by university vice president and provost, Christopher Washington.
“The Knights’ Peace Award was established to honor individuals who demonstrate the virtues necessary to persist in the quest for peace and unity,” Bev Titus wrote in a release. “These include courage, justice, mercy, generosity, faith, nobility and hope. Additionally, this annual award honors the life and spirit of Alicia Titus.”
After being shot on the morning of Jan. 20, Logan convinced the alleged attacker, Ely Serna, to surrender without further violence. Despite suffering serious injuries from the gunshot, the Cole family immediately extended forgiveness and offered to share proceeds of fundraisers with the Serna family.
Logan is recovering well from the injuries and has been honored with a number of awards, including one presented by Vice President Mike Pence earlier this year.
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ALICIA TITUS |
Alicia Titus, whose father is a Logan County native, was a victim of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as she performed her duties as a flight attendant on United Flight 175. Urbana University annually hosts events around the Sept. 11 anniversary to commemorate her life and commitment to peace.
Additionally on Saturday morning, organizers of the Peace Fund will host the annual Peace Run 5K and 1 Mile Walk, beginning at 9 a.m. outside the student center, 579 College Way, Urbana.
Race day registration is $35 for the run or $20 for the walk.
In other upcoming activities, the Alicia Titus Peace Fund will host the:
- Peace Day Challenge and Feast for Peace, Thursday, Sept. 21;
- International Day of Peace Nonviolent Communication Class, a six-week free class beginning Oct. 16;
- Great Kindness Challenge for local schools from Jan. 22 through 26;
- Season for Nonviolence, Jan. 30 through April 4, celebrating the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Ghandi.