Nursing students and faculty returned to their college yesterday, united by last Monday's tragedy and their determination to persevere, as they say their professors would have wanted.

"Bob (Stewart Flores Jr.) wanted us to stop. He wanted to put a halt to the nursing college," second-year nursing student Janette LeSueur said. "The biggest tribute we can make to our teachers is to go forward."

As students walked to the building together, the USS Arizona bell tolled.

A Native American healer cleansed the College of Nursing with sage early in the morning. After the ritual, three white doves were released.

"It was amazing," LeSueur said. "We came here and we reclaimed our building."

The college was quiet yesterday as students walked through the building to the offices of Barbara Monroe, Robin Rogers and Cheryl McGaffic. Some said they felt overwhelmed as they stood in the room where McGaffic and Monroe were murdered.

Most smiled as memories of their former professors were read aloud. Almost all students and professors wore pink and blue ribbons on their shirts in honor of their teachers, advisers and friends.

Those in Rogers' classes wore purple ribbons around their arms. Purple was Rogers' favorite color. Many also wore purple clothing to memorial services for her.

"There is just this closeness that is helping us get through it," said Jennifer Moberly, a nursing senior.

As students walked through the main courtyard, they were met by large pictures of their slain professors, posters from other campus clubs and colleges expressing their sympathy to the nursing students.

People throughout the world have offered nursing students and faculty sympathy, prayers and services.

"Our hearts and hands are with you," read a large banner from Arizona State University's College of Nursing.

Other universities and national organizations sent flowers and cards to the college.

"We have been given so much support from people everywhere," LeSueur said. "We had professors from England calling and offering to substitute classes or just help out."

A large group of nursing students stood outside the college before Rogers' memorial service yesterday afternoon, remembering their teachers.

Classes will resume in the college today. Volunteer community members and professors will teach McGaffic, Monroe and Rogers' classes.

The classroom where McGaffic and Monroe were murdered will remain closed through at least the end of this semester.