SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego State officials are trying to reach all 34 of the university's students currently studying in France to ensure that they are safe following Friday's deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, the school said Saturday.
All eight San Diego State University students in Paris have been accounted for, according to the school's media relations office.
The school has also been in contact with 31 of the 34 students studying throughout France. Officials said they are still trying to reach three students studying in southern France through their coordinators and partner universities.
SDSU said messages were sent to all students in France asking them to reply about their well-being and location. Students were also asked to contact their family members overseas.
The University of San Diego also posted an update to their international studies abroad web page stating that the school has reached out to all students in Europe as well as their emergency contacts. Students were directed by university staff to contact the school and their families.
USD did not state if any of their students abroad are studying in Paris.
The House of France in Balboa Park announced Saturday that they will host a vigil on Nov. 20 to honor the victims of the Paris attacks. The remembrance is set for 8 p.m. in front of the international cottage.
One California college student studying abroad was killed in Friday's attacks.
Nohemi Gonzalez of El Monte was a 23-year-old junior at Cal State Long Beach who was in Paris attending Strate College of Design as one of 17 CSULB students talking part in a semester abroad program, according to Michael Uhlenkamp, executive director of news for the university.
A former professor of Nohemi, spoke about how kind the Cal State Long Beach student was.
"She brought joy to everyone she knew. She functioned as a mentor to the younger students. She was a deep presence in the department and she will be missed," said Michael Laforte.
Uhlenkamp said the school has confirmed that the other 16 students are safe.
Governor Jerry Brown issued the following statement saying:
“On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the Gonzalez family, Nohemi’s friends and the entire Long Beach community impacted by this senseless tragedy.”
In recognition of the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
As for security in San Diego, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman's statement reads:
"We are maintaining heightened awareness and are in close communication with State and Federal law enforcement officers. We ask everyone to be vigilant and if you see something to say something."
French officials said Saturday that at least 129 people were killed in Friday's coordinated terrorist attacks, which targeted six locations throughout the city.
The Islamic extremist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.
