Bethune Cookman University students, faculty hold memorial for student killed

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Students and faculty at Bethune Cookman University donned white ribbons on Wednesday as a sign of peace. The university said its now working on ways to keep their students safe both on and off campus.

From gospel music to prayers, BCU delivered a strong message in Wednesday morning's memorial service.

"We are resilient people. We understand what the odds are and the challenges, but we are going to make it," said Dr. Edison Jackson, president of BCU.

They honored 23-year-old Donkevius Johnson and prayed for the two other students wounded in Saturday night's shooting outside the Indigo Lakes Country Club.

"I'm still supporting him, still going, staying strong. It's just very hard. Like one minute you're with somebody and the next, they're gone," said Domonique Green, Johnson's girlfriend.

BCU said the students were victims of the shootings and wants parties to now be on campus and have rules on who should attend.

"If you're not enrolled at Bethune Cookman University, you cannot attend our function," said Dr. Jackson.

Some students believe that would be a good idea.

"This is like the first tragedy that I've experienced and the only way that I know to resolve that, would keep it on campus," said Jamecia Peek.

BCU said while plans are not finalized, they'll continue doing their best to keep students safe.

"We're saddened but we're serious. Every life that touches BCU is a precious life. We're still in discussion about how we're going to play all of this out and how we're going to move forward to safeguard our students even better," said Bonisha Porter, dean of students.