Campus’s most vibrant corner has fallen somber as the Marquette community mourns the loss of freshman Andrew Siebenaler.

Siebenaler, a 19-year-old undeclared major in the College of Arts & Sciences, was found dead in his McCormick Hall room late Saturday night. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be suicide.

Department of Public Safety officers were first responders to McCormick at 11:57 p.m. Saturday, according to DPS Capt. Russell Shaw. The Milwaukee police and fire departments were called in to take over the investigation.

On Sunday evening, students and staff joined Andrew’s parents, Elizabeth and Rick Siebenaler, at a candlelight vigil on Westowne Mall to honor their son’s life. Approximately 300 students held candles and comforted one another while prayers were led by the Rev. Frank Majka, assistant director of Campus Ministry, and McCormick Hall ministers Margaret Andrews and Dorota Pruski.

Elizabeth Siebenaler spoke at the close of the vigil, thanking students for attending and encouraging them to seek assistance if they are feeling sad in any way.

“Listen to me,” she said. “If you think you are a little bit sad and you think you cannot do it, talk to somebody. I will always think of him as being at Marquette and I will be waiting for him to come home.”

Matt Hurley, a freshman in the College of Health Sciences and McCormick Hall Council president, spoke briefly to thank those in attendance for their support. The council organized the vigil.

“I would just like to say I’m proud of each and every one of you,” Hurley said. “McCormick, Marquette, anyone, thank you all for coming so much, it means so much to the family and to all of us.”

In a statement to the Marquette community released Monday, Vice President for Student Affairs Christopher Miller said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address the tragedy that occurred over the weekend of Nov. 14. There is no doubt this is a difficult time for our community as we mourn the loss of first year student Andrew Siebenaler. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Andrew was born on Sept. 15, 1990, and is survived by his parents and sister, Rebecca, a senior in high school.

Known by many as “Siebs,” Andrew’s friends remember him as funny and intelligent, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood.

Andrew attended Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and student orchestra.

He was an Eagle Scout, said Rudy Altergott, a fellow Scout and high school classmate.

“He was the type of person who you could talk to whenever about anything,” Altergott said.

Jessica Paro, a freshman in the College of Communication and one of Andrew’s classmates at Hinsdale Central, said her friends have been her main source of support in coping with Andrew’s death.

“Some people are taking it hard. Others have really been here to support them,” Paro said.

She said she wanted to make sure people knew that Andrew was happy and had good friends at Marquette.

“He was so excited to come here,” Paro said. “Andrew loved living in McCormick.”

Many of Andrew’s friends from high school and Marquette shared memories and thoughts on a Facebook group called “Rest in Peace, Andrew Siebenaler.” At press time, the group had grown to more than 560 members.

For many students, even those who did not know Andrew, the death of a fellow student came as a shock.

“The fact is, most of us never received the opportunity to meet and get to know Andrew personally, but that doesn’t make his passing any less of an impact,” said Emily Foster, a freshman in the College of Communication. “He was a part of our community, and I believe everyone here mourns his loss greatly. Andrew will be remembered by each of his classmates, no matter how short a time he was with us.”

Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry, said students are encouraged to meet with hall ministers and Campus Ministry staff members, who provide grief support for students experiencing loss, as well as individual counseling during the grieving process.

“The death of a student is a tragic loss for everyone in our campus community,” Blaha said. “Whether we knew Andrew or not, we may experience grief related to his passing. Students are encouraged to be mindful of feelings of anger, depression, sadness, hopelessness, and questions of faith and seek help and support.”

Tony DiZinno also contributed to this report.