EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University (MSU) has announced plans for the upcoming anniversary of a tragic event that took place on its campus. On Feb. 13, 2024, it will have been one year since a mass shooting claimed the lives of three students and left five others injured. The university is taking steps to honor those affected by the tragedy and to provide support to the community during this difficult time.
MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff emphasized the importance of acknowledging the emotional impact leading up to the anniversary. She stated that the university is committed to providing space and time for individualized reactions and experiences as the community reflects on the loss and trauma experienced. Woodruff emphasized that participation in any event is completely voluntary, recognizing that people may cope with the anniversary in different ways.
For Feb. 13, 2024, MSU has adjusted its schedule, with most courses not being held to allow space for remembrance and reflection. The university has also organized various events to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to take positive action in their community as a way of commemorating the anniversary. In addition, counseling and support services will be available throughout the day.
In addition to the events planned for the anniversary, MSU is also looking ahead to the future. The university is in the process of planning a permanent memorial, with a committee seeking input from the community through a survey and planned engagement sessions. Feedback will be used to inform the creation of a request for artist proposals by the end of the spring semester.
MSU’s proactive approach to commemorating the anniversary and planning for a permanent memorial reflects the university’s commitment to honoring the victims of the tragic event while also providing support for the community’s healing process. The events planned for Feb. 13, 2024, and the ongoing efforts to establish a memorial demonstrate MSU’s dedication to remembering the past while looking toward the future.