A graduate student who is in critical condition after she was hit by a car and seriously injured Thursday is receiving support from her Penn State colleagues, friends and family.

Members of the Food Science Department, the Chinese Friendship Association and the Graduate Student Association are helping Xiaohui Xia, 25, who was crossing South Allen Street near Logan Avenue at about 9 a.m. Thursday when she was struck.

John Floros, head of the Department of Food Science, said several members of the department have made the trip to see her at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, including Xia's adviser, Stephen Knabel, who spent Friday through late Sunday night with her.

"As far as we understand, the situation is very serious," Floros said. "The doctors don't seem very hopeful."

Floros said the doctors have confirmed Xia has had some brain activity loss, and she is still on life support.

"The hospital is doing tests and seeing what they can do next, but they don't know what the future holds," he said.

Geisinger Medical Center was able to confirm Xia is in critical condition, but would not release any other information.

Jianfeng Guo, president of the Chinese Friendship Association at Penn State, said the organization held a vigil Saturday night at the scene of the incident.

"About 40 people showed up to help us support Xiahoui," he said. "Many people brought flowers and other things to show their regards."

Guo said a local Chinese pastor held a short ceremony for people who wanted to pray during the vigil. He also said the group will hold more vigils later in the week, but specific details have not been made.

"We have also been handing out fliers, making people more aware that she needs help," he said.

Guo said the association is also helping Xia and her family through the creation of a donation fund.

"The whole Penn State community, Chinese or not, has already generously donated," he said.

Guo said they have already received about $3,000 in donations and he expects more in the next several days.

Help has extended further than Penn State; there has been national support, and even international.

The Chinese embassy has helped her relatives come to the United States from her home of Henen, China, Guo said.

Floros said the department notified Xia's family in China, and the country was very helpful in getting her sister and aunt passports.

Guo said the donations have helped with translation services at the hospital, in addition to lodging and transportation for the family.

The Graduate Student Association's President Brian Borawski said his association plans on setting up a bereavement fund for Xia and her family if necessary.

Clifford Warner, 73, of Boalsburg, was driving the car that hit Xia Thursday morning.

According to the State College Police Department's accident report, Warner said he didn't notice Xia until he was too close to avoid her, but he said he did swerve to avoid her. A witness to the accident said he did not think Warner swerved, but it seemed like he was driving at a normal speed.

The investigation by State College police is still under way and no charges have been filed.

The Chinese Friendship Assocation's Web Site is www.psucfa.org where donation information is available.