The outpouring of aid and sympathy after a deadly shooting at Northern Illinois University should remind those struggling with the tragedy that they are not islands and not alone, the school's president said at a memorial service Sunday. In honor of the five students killed in the Feb. 14 shooting in a crowded lecture hall, five bouquets of red and white flowers were placed on the stage of the Convocation Center, where the memorial was held. Outside the arena, school officials had posted a banner reading, "Forward, together forward." "This past week, I have seen despair and I have seen hope," NIU President John G. Peters said. "I have seen deep sorrow of the five victims' families, but I have seen your courage and I have seen your strength."

Classes were to resume Monday for the first time since the shooting, in which NIU graduate Steve Kazmierczak opened fire in a classroom, killing five people and injuring 17 before committing suicide.

Early in the service, a photo of each of the slain students was projected on screens around the arena as their names were read aloud. A choir sang the hymn "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."

Memorial organizers said they expected thousands of people to attend, and overflow viewing areas were set up around the campus, about 65 miles west of Chicago. The memorial was also simulcast to NIU gatherings across the country and in Iraq.

"For all of those who seek healing, your presence here tonight wraps us in a warm embrace and reminds us that we are not alone," Peters told the students and members of the faculty, staff and community who attended the service.

"We are not islands; we are not islands, but bridges - bridges to each other, and bridges to the world," Peters said. "In the days and weeks ahead, let our message to the world be one of hope, let it be one of healing and the indomitable Huskie spirit. In the end, that is how all of us can honor the memories of five beautiful young people who are not with us this evening."

Also scheduled to speak during the memorial service were Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat. Illinois' other senator, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, planned to attend, but his campaign staff said he would not make remarks.

The school asked faculty and staff members to return last week for training in how to help students adjust to the changed atmosphere at NIU, which enrolls about 25,000 students.

In addition to about 550 counselors expected to staff each classroom, academic department and dormitory, the student counseling center is extending its hours indefinitely.

Plans for a permanent memorial to the victims are still in their infancy. No decision has been made on the future of Cole Hall, but it will be closed for the rest of the semester.

Written By CARYN ROUSSEAU