EAST LANSING, Mich. – As the one-year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Michigan State University approaches, the campus is preparing to host a series of events to honor the lives lost, the injured, and all those affected by the tragic event. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the university will provide reflective spaces, healing activities, and a remembrance gathering to offer support and a space for the community to come together in shared reflection.

The scheduled activities include reflective spaces available at various locations on campus and the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing. These spaces will be staffed by crisis counselors for those seeking additional emotional support. Additionally, religious leaders from different denominations will be present at the Alumni Memorial Chapel to provide support throughout the day.

One of the key events is the “Healing Through Kindness and Service,” which aims to provide a space for the MSU community to come together both on and off campus. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in kindness and service activities, such as writing notes of support, making gifts, and participating in service activities to support K-12 students and families in the local area.

In the evening, a remembrance gathering will take place, providing a space for the community to come together in shared reflection. Throughout the day, community members are encouraged to engage in a shared community art creation, a program including reflective messages, moments of silence, and a livestream of the event to allow Spartans around the globe to participate in the remembrance gathering from wherever they are.

To further involve Spartans around the world, the university is inviting them to light a luminary at 8 p.m. to participate in the remembrance gathering from their locations. Luminaries will be available for pick-up and decorating at various locations on campus and throughout the East Lansing community from Feb. 5-13, 2024.

As part of the commemoration, Michigan State University has also canceled classes for most students on Feb. 13 to allow the campus community to participate in the events and to honor the lives lost. The university’s commitment to creating a space for reflection, healing, and communal support is evident in the thoughtful and inclusive approach to the memorial events.