On the day and hour Baker University was to celebrate the inauguration of a new president, the Baldwin City school came together for mutual support after the death of a student.

Late Wednesday evening, Baker University President Lynne Murray canceled her inauguration celebration scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday and related events after learning of the suicide of sophomore Sione Maumau.

An all-university prayer service was Thursday morning at Baldwin First United Methodist Church across the street from the campus.

Baker University minister Kevin Hopkins told an overflowing crowd at the service: “Last night as events unfolded and we discussed what needed to be done, I think Dr. Murray made the most heartwarming decision. Ultimately, this day should be about you.”

In her brief remarks at the service, Murray stressed that Maumau’s classmates and teammates need not deal with their grief alone.

“I feel bad because I don’t know what to say to make you feel better,” she said. “Love one another, hold one another and pray for each other. I want you to know you can call on us. Don’t be afraid to do it.”

Hopkins said he and Tim Hodges, Baker director of counseling, were available to the students for grief counseling.

Maumau came to Baker from Boulder, Colo., to play football. On Thursday, students remembered him as an active, busy student who was a member of the university’s speech choir, a resident assistant in Baker’s dorm system and someone who always had a smile.

Steve Rottinghaus, Baker University public relations director, said no decision had been made about when or if Murray’s inauguration would be rescheduled.