East Lansing, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees has approved a permanent memorial for the victims of the tragic mass shooting, honoring three students who lost their lives and fostering healing within the community. Designed by artists Carlos Portillo and Jessica Guinto, the memorial will be built in the Old Horticulture Garden and aims to reflect unity and resilience. Scheduled construction will begin in fall 2025, with an estimated $3.2 million cost, funded partly by the Spartan Strong Fund and community support.
East Lansing
The Michigan State University Board of Trustees has approved the establishment of a permanent memorial for the victims of the mass shooting that took place on February 13, 2023. The memorial, titled February 13th Permanent Memorial, will commemorate the lives lost and the lives affected by this tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to five others.
Chosen from three finalist designs selected in February 2025, the winning concept comes from artists Carlos Portillo and Jessica Guinto. Their design aims not only to honor the victims but also to foster healing and unity within the MSU community.
Construction of the memorial is set to commence in fall 2025, with an estimated timeline for completion by fall 2026. The memorial will be situated on an existing water feature located within the Old Horticulture Garden on campus, between the Student Services and Natural Sciences buildings.
The project has an estimated construction cost of $3.2 million. Funding for the memorial will include $300,000 from the Spartan Strong Fund, while the rest will be drawn from the university’s capital reserves. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs are expected to be around $22,500 annually for the upkeep of the fountain and surrounding landscape.
The memorial project not only serves as a tribute to the victims but is also intended to be a space for reflection, healing, and remembrance for the broader Spartan community. Approximately 5,000 participants engaged in the design selection process, highlighting the significance of community involvement in this initiative.
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz emphasized the importance of the memorial, framing it as a dedicated area for those affected to find solace and remembrance. This proposal comes amid financial challenges faced by the university, including a 9% budget reduction, leading to an intensified focus on community resilience and support following the tragedy.
A committee was formed in October 2023 to oversee the memorial’s development, drawing input from students, faculty, staff, and community members. The winning design by Portillo and Guinto aims to not only honor the victims but also promote healing and a sense of community among current and future Spartans.
Background on the February 13, 2023, Shooting
The mass shooting occurred at Michigan State University, resulting in significant trauma for the campus community. The loss of three students deeply impacted families, friends, and fellow students alike, prompting calls for a permanent memorial to ensure that the tragedy is remembered and that the lives lost are honored.
Projected Timeline
- Start of Construction: Fall 2025
- Completion Date: Fall 2026
Funding and Costs
- Total Estimated Cost: $3.2 million
- Spartan Strong Fund Contribution: $300,000
- Annual Maintenance Cost: $22,500
Community Engagement
The extensive community engagement process, with nearly 5,000 participants, demonstrates the significance of collective healing and remembrance in the aftermath of such a tragic event. This initiative not only seeks to honor those who were lost but also aims to reinforce the sense of community among Spartans.
Memorial Design
The selected design by Portillo and Guinto emphasizes themes of healing and unity, reflecting the resilience of the Spartan community. The memorial will serve as a physical representation of strength and solidarity in times of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the memorial?
The memorial aims to honor the victims of the February 13, 2023, mass shooting and promote healing and unity within the Michigan State University community.
Where will the memorial be located?
The memorial will be built within the Old Horticulture Garden on campus, positioned between the Student Services and Natural Sciences buildings.
What are the estimated costs associated with the memorial?
The total construction cost is estimated to be $3.2 million, with $300,000 coming from the Spartan Strong Fund and annual maintenance costs projected at $22,500.
When will construction begin?
Construction is set to begin in fall 2025, with completion expected by fall 2026.
Key Features of the Memorial
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Horticulture Garden, between Student Services and Natural Sciences buildings |
| Total Cost | $3.2 million |
| Funding Sources | $300,000 from Spartan Strong Fund, remaining from capital reserves |
| Maintenance Cost | $22,500 annually |
| Construction Timeline | Fall 2025 to Fall 2026 |
| Community Engagement | Approximately 5,000 participants |
| Designers | Carlos Portillo and Jessica Guinto |
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: Michigan State vs USC Stream Information
- Wikipedia: Michigan State University
- MSU Spartans: Men’s Cross Country News
- Google Search: Michigan State University
- WLNS: MSU Approves $3.2M Shooting Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shooting
- CBS News: MSU Memorial Design Approved
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