Oregon State University Housing & Dining Services invites friends and acquaintances to celebrate the life of Peter “Ping Ping” Gidlund in Marketplace West Dining Center’s northwest conference room from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

The 20-year-old former OSU wrestler took his own life by jumping off Bloss Hall in the early morning of Feb. 6.

As Gidlund was a Hawley-Buxton resident assistant, the well-being of students and staff located on the west side of campus was a priority for the university.

Ann Marie Klotz, associate director in UHDS residential education, said despite the challenging situation, staff found ways to celebrate Gidlund’s life.

For at least a week, Marketplace West Dining Center set up a memorial for Gidlund so students had the opportunity to write him or his family a note of support. The letters were eventually mailed to Gidlund’s family in San Diego.

People also had an opportunity to participate in the orange ribbon campaign as a way to honor Gidlund’s memory and to support the community. The memorial and the Hawley-Buxton front desk provided ribbons to the public following his death.

RAs began making 1,000 paper cranes as another way to show their support.

Per university protocol, when there is a death on campus the university, the Student Care Team reacts. Counseling & Psychological Services, the Academic Success Center, Dean of Student Life Office, Department of Public Safety, OSU’s Oregon State Police branch, Residential Education, Student Conduct and Community Standards and Student Health Services are all the entities that contribute to the Student Care Team.

CAPS worked with RAs starting Feb. 6, and held community grief and loss support groups throughout the following weekend.

Located on the fifth floor of Snell Hall, CAPS operational hours are from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The 24-hour line is 541-737-2131.

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