EAST LANSING, Mich. — Thursday marks two years since the deadly shooting that took place on the campus of Michigan State University on Feb. 13, 2023.
Students Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner lost their lives after an armed assailant opened fire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. Five others were wounded.
While buildings remained open on Thursday, the university canceled classes and held special events on campus in memory of the students who lost their lives.
"Michigan State has a very, very special place in my heart," said Kathryn Harding, a junior at MSU. "The Spartan community is one of the strongest places on earth in terms of having a place for people to feel welcome and have that sense of belonging.”
Harding, a member of student government, helped plan the on-campus events, including Caring Through Service, which was held at the Breslin Center.
From 1:00pm to 4:00pm, students and the Spartan community could fill backpacks for those in need, create 'wellness kits' for themselves or others or make friendship bracelets.
"The goal for me is to create a sense of togetherness and make everyone aware of the fact that they are not alone," Harding said.
“There are still so many Michiganders who carry the grief and trauma from that night, including students, staff, and faculty still walking on campus right now. Today, let’s remember those we lost, hold one another close, and remember that the way we get through tough times is togethe
—Governor Gretchen Whitmer
On the snowy university campus, heated tents housed volunteers, luminary kits and emotional support dogs.
At nearby Berkey Hall, flowers laid outside in memory of the victims. The Spartan Statue collected a memorial of its own, along with a call for gun reform, and The Rock displayed the names of Alexandria, Arielle and Brian.
"We're trying to have a space where, however you feel, however you want to sort of deal with today, you can definitely do that," said Connor Le, MSU student body president. "Honestly, it's kind of just one day at a time. Just doing our best to honor those that were injured or lost."
At 8:00pm, a gathering will be held at Beaumont Tower for a moment of silence followed by the ringing of the tower bells.
Berkey Hall, the MSU Union, and the tower will also remain lit green from 6:00pm on February 13 to 6:00am on February 14.
The MSU Alumni Chapel will be also open from 1:00pm. to 9:00pm.
For students and visitors attending memorial events, luminary kits are also available for pickup on campus.
