EAST LANSING, Mich. — February 13, 2023, was a dark day for the Michigan State University campus community.
Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson and Alex Verner were the three students who lost their lives in the MSU campus shooting.
20-year-old Fraser, a sophomore at Michigan State, was from Grosse Pointe; 19-year-old Anderson, a junior at Michigan State, was from Grosse Pointe; and 20-year-old Verner, a junior at Michigan State, was from Clawson.
All three students received posthumous bachelor's degrees in their field of study.
As one year after the shooting approaches, the campus is preparing for how to best support students and honor the lives lost and affected that day.
"It is important for all of us — myself included — to remember that leading up to Feb. 13, 2024, community members will experience many different emotions," said the school's Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff in a statement released Friday.
The statement went on to explain that along with canceling most classes that day, the school will remain open to support students and the community.
What's happening that day:
- Student organizations, led by the Associated Students of MSU and in conjunction with the Center for Community Engaged Learning, are sponsoring a day of service focused on the larger MSU/East Lansing communities. The daylong initiative will provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to take action that day in a positive manner in their community. More information about specific opportunities and links to sign up to participate will be shared soon with students, faculty and staff.
- An evening remembrance gathering will offer members of our campus and local community a place to come together in commemoration, support and recognition of Feb. 13, 2023. The gathering is scheduled for 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and will take place outdoors north of Spartan Stadium, near The Spartan statue. The event will be open to the public. MSU is working on plans to promote remote engagement with the event as well, and more details will be available soon.
- Reflective spaces will be set up across campus during the day on Feb. 13 for those who wish to spend time quietly reflecting safely. Counseling support will be available at each location.
- Counseling staff will be available to provide support to our community at these planned events. Please note that we will be using outside counselors to ensure MSU staff can spend this day as they choose.
The statement also shared guidance for educators for the spring semester and guidance related to best practices for commemorative events.
Woodruff gave an update on the school's planning efforts toward a permanent memorial.
"As previously announced, we have established the Feb. 13 Permanent Memorial Planning Committee — made up of students, faculty, staff and community liaisons — and it will seek input this winter via a community survey," she said.
She also shared that there will be in-person and virtual engagement sessions planned for the spring and the feedback given will be used to create a request for artist proposals by the end of the semester. The school will be sharing more information in the coming weeks on how all Spartans can provide input to the process.
"I am grateful to the many participants in the planning of these events and know that there is good faith effort to be inclusive and trauma informed as these events are developed," said Woodruff. "It is my hope that members of our community spend time commemorating Feb. 13, 2023, wherever and however it feels most meaningful for you."
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