BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WAND) - Emotions ran high as Illinois State University hosted a memorial for their fallen graduate student, Jelani "JJ" Day. 

“Jelani is missed so very much. His presence is missed so very much," Carmen Bolden Day, Jelani's mom, said as she held back tears speaking at the memorial.

Jelani was a graduate student at ISU studying speech pathology. 

The Bolden-Day family spoke at the memorial, thanking the community for being a part of Jelani's celebration of life.

"Thank you for realizing that Jelani is important to not (just) us, but to everybody." Bolden-Day said.

Hundreds of ISU students, the Black Student Union and the university's Multicultural Center were in attendance. The Multicultural Center hosted the event and collected cards, flowers and other condolence gifts for the Bolden-Day family. 

"Jelani is someone you will never forget and I wont let you forget him," Jelani's mom said at the memorial. "He made his presence known where he was. if you would’ve met him, you would've liked him." 

ISU students are speaking up as well. Those who knew Jelani and those who did not said Jelani had truly made a deep and permanent impact on their campus.

"Jelani’s name and legacy should continue to live on in this university. Jelani changed our campus, Jelani changed our community, Jelani changed our world," said Kamil Freirson.

"We stuck gold by having Jelani on our campus," said another student. 

ISU President Terri Goss Kinzy chimed in as well, saying, "I'm hoping this evening, we lean on one another, we will find strength and support with those we love within our Redbird community and for Jelani’s family." 

Jelani's father, Seve Day, spoke as well, reminding Jelani's graduate classmates to succeed in Jelani's name.

"I put this all on you be great," he said. "Be great speech pathologists, carry on his legacy. Graduate with honors."

Classmates that sat beside him said Jelani's name is forever engraved,

"His story will impact the lives of young individuals across the nation. Jelani Day will not be forgotten." Amanda Regez said.

She also mentioned never forgetting how special and funny Jelani was in class. 

Together, the ISU community pledged to continue fighting for justice.

"We pray justice will be swift and thorough and we will be praying until justice comes," one student said.

The Bolden-Day family pledged to lead the way.

"We need things posted on social media we are going to need you to share everything." Carmen said. "We stand here today because we are going to find justice for Jelani Day."