At the Newman Center, Rev. Charles Pfeffer asked mourners to search for meaning in the Penn alumnus' life. A somber group of over 100 friends and other mourners gathered last night at the Newman Center to honor the memory of Michael Tobin, the 26-year-old Penn alumnus and Phi Gamma Delta brother who died Sunday morning while attending an alumni event his fraternity house. Tobin, a 1994 College of Arts and Sciences graduate and third-team All-Ivy lacrosse player, suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries after consuming several alcoholic beverages and falling down a flight of stairs outside the FIJI house at 3619 Locust Walk. Rev. Charles Pfeffer, director of the Newman Center, conducted the 40-minute service that allowed those in attendance to reflect on Tobin's sudden death, as well as the meaning behind his short life. "Sometimes we just do dumb things, bad decisions, quick decisions," Pfeffer said. "But today, I'd rather not think about why [Michael] died, but why he lived." Pfeffer, who said he spent time with Tobin's family on Sunday, explained the importance of praying for the family of the former Penn lacrosse co-captain. "As we come together this evening to pray for Michael and his family, we pause and think how tragic this event has been," Pfeffer said. "We must unite our pain and suffering with theirs." Toward the end of the religious ceremony, Pfeffer asked each audience member to stop and reflect on his or her happiest moment with Tobin, adding that memories of Tobin will ultimately affect each person differently. "Our faith tells us that Michael is even happier now," Pfeffer said. "Michael's untimely death will mean something to everyone." Afterwards, Pfeffer said he was "very impressed" with the evening's event, focusing particularly on the way Tobin's fraternity brothers rallied together so quickly. "It was kind of an uplifting experience to see young adults gather together and support one another," Pfeffer explained. "Everyone really needs to bring closure to this horrible tragedy and hopefully tonight was a chance to do that." Tobin's family was not in attendance, Pfeffer said. The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow morning on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. University Chaplain William Gipson -- who worked with the InterFraternity Council to plan tomorrow evening's candlelight vigil on College Green in Tobin's memory -- said he was equally pleased with the compassionate response surrounding Tobin's death. "I want to affirm the student leadership we have at Penn," Gipson said. "It's a sign of how the students and the InterFraternity Council will really help to make a difference in how we take care of each other as members in a community." Gipson also spoke with the Tobin family on Sunday and he singled out an especially poignant thought from Tobin's father, John. "One of his deepest hurts as a father is that he lost his best friend," Gipson said, adding that John Tobin is sure his son's legacy will live on. Andrew Gold, who was one of Tobin's lacrosse teammates and fellow classmates in 1994, called his fallen friend a true "All-American," pointing out Tobin's dedication and leadership on and off the field, as well as his ability to form friendships. "He's one of those people that everyone liked because he liked everyone," Gold said yesterday from California. "He was such a good friend to everyone." "Every girl at Penn was crazy about him," Gold said. "[He was] the guy that you would say has everything in the world going with him." And Gold, a former Daily Pennsylvanian photographer, was clear in saying that those who did not know Tobin should give him more than a fleeting thought. "Just respect what this person was," Gold said. "Now that he's a statistic and he's known as the guy who died at FIJI, people should at least take the time to think a little bit about Michael Tobin. Every single person who you'll talk to who knew him will say 'Yeah, he was a great guy.'"
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
