East Lansing Commemorates Two Years Since Campus Tragedy

News Summary

Michigan State University is preparing to hold special events on February 13, 2025, to mark the two-year anniversary of the campus shooting. Classes will be canceled to allow students and staff to participate in various remembrance activities, including the Caring Through Service event, open chapel, and a night of music and reflection. The community is encouraged to come together to honor the lives lost and support each other during this poignant time.

East Lansing Remembers: MSU Plans Special Events for Two-Year Anniversary of Campus Tragedy

In the heart of East Lansing, Michigan State University is gearing up for a heartfelt commemoration as the community reflects on the two-year anniversary of the tragic campus shooting that occurred on February 13, 2023. The events will honor the lives lost and the impact felt across the university.

An email from the university’s Office for Research and Support Coordination shared the details, outlining an array of activities aimed at bringing the community together. Most classes will be canceled on February 13, 2025, allowing students and staff to participate fully without the burden of assignments or exams due that day. Classes will resume the next day, but the spirit of remembrance will linger with no deadlines in place on February 14 either.

A Day for Reflection and Support

While the academic schedule is put on hold, the university will remain open. Dining services and CATA transportation will still be available, ensuring that everyone can partake in the day’s events and receive support. Dedicated mental and emotional health services will also be provided, catering to those in need during this sensitive time.

One of the day’s highlights is the Caring Through Service event, scheduled to take place at the Breslin Center Hall of History from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Here, students will have the opportunity to create wellness kits and craft friendly bracelets, reflecting the caring spirit of the MSU community.

Open Chapel and Warm Spaces

For those seeking a quieter space, the MSU Alumni Chapel will be open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers will be on hand to provide resource support, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported. Outside, heated tents will create a cozy atmosphere where participants can enjoy warm hot cocoa and interact with comfort dogs. Luminary kits will also be available, allowing students to take part in a poignant display by lighting luminaries across campus starting at 8 p.m.

A Night of Music and Reflection

As night falls, attendees can gather at Beaumont Tower, where music will fill the air. This will transition into a somber moment of silence, accompanied by the ringing of the tower’s bells from 8:10 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. In a beautiful tribute, several campus structures, including the iconic Beaumont Tower, will be illuminated in a glowing green hue from 6 p.m. on February 13 through 6 a.m. the following day.

Art and Community Engagement

To further engage with the community, MSU is hosting three fascinating art exhibits. One is set to be displayed in Berkey Hall, and another in the MSU Union, both of which will be installed by February 10. The MSU Union Art Gallery will feature an interactive exhibition titled Reclaiming Space until February 15. Meanwhile, the Broad Art Museum will host an exhibition titled Art in the Aftermath: Healing Gun Violence through Activism from February 5 to February 13.

Amber McCann from MSU has indicated that these events will give community members a chance to reflect, grieve, and pay tribute to those affected by the 2023 tragedy. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, resources from MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services and the MSU Employee Assistance Program will offer drop-in appointments for support from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Engaging with Kindness

In the week leading up to this significant anniversary, the community will participate in a variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts, kindness initiatives, and opportunities for volunteer service. The United Resiliency Center in East Lansing will also offer long-term support for individuals impacted by the shooting, extending kindness and resources where they are needed most.

As MSU prepares for this significant day, it invites everyone to come together in remembrance and healing. These events illustrate the enduring spirit of the community and its commitment to supporting one another. The commemorative plans aim to ensure that no one is alone as they navigate their feelings on this important anniversary.

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Additional Resources

• The State News
• WLIX News
• Michigan Advance
• Detroit News
• CBS News