In memory of sophomore Xavia Pirozzi, students and faculty wore purple on Thursday, March 22, illuminating the hallways with Pirozzi’s favorite color.

Pirozzi passed away on the evening of Wednesday, March 21, after a long battle with lymphoma.

According to Campus Minister Patti Murphy Dohn, students relayed the message to wear purple via a Facebook group created by freshman Amanda Brannan.

“This day was generated by the students,” Murphy Dohn said.

“I wanted to make sure that everyone at JC knew about it.  It was really cool to see how in just a couple hours, more than 300 students knew about the event to wear purple for Xavia.  JC has come together and become close in this hard time and I just think that is so inspirational,” Brannan said.

Students voiced their prayers and words of support on Twitter and Facebook, trending the phrase “Pray for Xavia” and “Rest in peace Xavia.”

“All of the messages on Twitter were beautiful.  I retweeted some of the very meaningful tweets,” Murphy Dohn said.

Memorial and condolence notes can be posted on Murphy Dohn’s Facebook page and the John Carroll Campus Ministry page as well.

Pirozzi’s funeral service will take place at Saint Joseph Church, Fullerton on March 26 at 11 a.m.  The viewing will be held at Schimunek’s Funeral Home in Nottingham on March 24 and 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on both days.

Due to the funeral Mass taking place on a school day, JC will be closed on Monday.

According to Murphy Dohn, due to multiple student requests, on March 23 students wore purple again, also in part because Pirozzi’s funeral is Monday.

Purple accessories such as socks, shirts underneath uniform shirts without designs, hair ribbons and ties will be allowed.

Kailey Tracy is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.