TOLEDO, Ohio — Community members at Saturday’s University of Toledo women’s basketball game honored UToledo student Sierah Joughin - who was kidnapped and murdered in 2016.
Sierah’s family has been working for years to keep her memory alive - from advocating for the adoption of Sierah's Law, and starting the Justice for Sierah nonprofit organization and Sierah Strong program.
Sierah's memory has had a profound affect on people in the community.
"I'm a mother, I'm a runner, I'm a female. I didn't know Sierah Joughin, but her story really ripped up my heartstrings, so I'm very grateful to be involved, and the work we're doing in the community is incredible," said Nicole Candle, a board member for Justice for Sierah.
The day's festivities were a culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people.
Justice for Sierah partnered with UToledo to spread the message of empowerment for young people and help raise money for Sierah Strong, a self-defense program that teaches 6-15 year old kids the importance of self awareness.
“I would just say to be aware of your surroundings and the stuff like we learned here today, and you can never be too aware and too prepared, so that's something this course has offered to us: the tools be aware and know what we should be doing when you enter a restaurant or into a room. So, definitely take it seriously,” said Kate Timmerman, Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi at the university.
Sierah Joughin was a student at the university and member of Alpha Kappa Psi when she was kidnapped and murdered Sierah Joughin while she rode her bike in rural Fulton County. .
The special purple jerseys worn by the UT players in honor of Joughin were auctioned off at the end of the game.
Click here for more information about the Sierah Strong program.
The Sierah’s Birthday Soiree will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn on February 25.
Tickets for the black and white ball are on sale on the Justice for Sierah website.
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