Thirty-two bell chimes resounded in the worship hall of the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at noon yesterday, each one honoring a victim of the Virginia Tech massacre.

When the Penn State community heard news of the deadliest shooting rampage in modern history, it reacted with disbelief, grief and anger.

Three days later, more than 300 people gathered for a remembrance service in hopes of consoling each other and beginning the healing process.

Friends and family of Jeremy Herbstritt, a Penn State graduate killed in the shooting, sat together in the front rows of the worship hall and wept softly as Dennis Heitzmann, director of counseling and psychological services, described him as a caring person with a friendly disposition and a positive outlook on life.

"It has been said that when a young person dies, a universe of possibilities dies as well," Heitzmann said.

Standing next to a burgundy and orange floral arrangement, symbolizing the Hokies, student and faculty speakers encouraged the recognition of good and hope amid a cruel, cold tragedy.

"Don't dwell on the injustice," Heitzmann said. "Find forgiveness and go on ... you can make a new start."

The grieving can find solace by creating a dialogue and expressing emotions, Heitzmann said.

"Give your fears and thoughts a voice," he said.

The speeches were followed with a vocal performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Penn State School of Music Ensemble and student readings of poems and prayers focusing on forgiveness and finding peace.

After the concluding remarks, mourners, many of whom were also clad in Virginia Tech colors or logos, silently filed into line to light a candle in honor of the victims. Others imparted their condolences to the Blacksburg community on a banner in the front of the worship hall.

"I think it's good for the university to come together and pay their respects," Catherine McGann (junior-international politics) said. "It's a hard thing to deal with being a college student."

Mitchell Belding, vice president of University Park Undergraduate Association, said as a college student, the shootings "hit home."

"It was a great, meaningful service. I hope it assists the Penn State and State College community in coping and healing," Belding said.

Across campus yesterday, other students were planning ways to memorialize the dead and honor the wounded.

Phi Sigma Rho, a women's engineering sorority, is hosting a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. on Monday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in support of the "We are...all Hokies fund," which benefits the victims' families. A candlelight vigil is also being held from 8 to 10 p.m. on Monday on the Old Main patio.

Supporters also signed banners at the Allen Street Gates and the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center.

Rachel North (senior-English), one organizer of the banner-signing at the Allen Street Gates, said some of the people who signed the banner shared stories of friends at Virginia Tech.

"Even though we don't have a direct relationship with Virginia Tech, we want to show them we're thinking of them and support them ... everyone has been emotionally affected by what happened," North said.

By 3 p.m., about 40 feet of the 100-foot banner was covered with signatures.

"We are one family and we love you. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you," one banner message read. "WE ARE...all Hokies."