Michigan State University (MSU) has unveiled its plans to create a memorial to honor the students who tragically lost their lives or were wounded in the devastating mass shooting that occurred on campus in February.
The university announced that approximately $300,000 in donations will be allocated towards this permanent memorial, which will serve as a meaningful tribute to the victims.
The news of the memorial came alongside the disclosure of how MSU intends to utilize the $2 million donated to the Spartan Strong Fund.
Interim President Teresa Woodruff expressed gratitude towards the thousands of generous individuals who have contributed to the fund, stating that it has played a crucial role in fostering healing within the community.
MSU's Plan To Support the Victims, Those Affected
According to the Associated Press, out of the total donations received, around $1 million will be directed towards assisting individuals directly impacted by the shooting, with a particular focus on supporting injured students who wish to continue their education.
Additionally, the funds will be utilized to aid 50 individuals who were present in classrooms at Berkey Hall or the food court kitchen at the MSU Union during the tragic incident.
Recognizing the diverse healing process experienced by each person affected, MSU has allocated $500,000 from the fund to reimburse or directly cover mental health care services for students, faculty, staff, and first responders.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of providing ongoing support and care for those grappling with the psychological aftermath of the tragedy.
The remaining $200,000 will be dedicated to healing and resiliency programming administered through the Office for Resource and Support Coordination, benefiting students, staff, and first responders.
Understanding the Shooter's Motives
In a separate development, the Michigan State University Police and Public Safety Department released a detailed timeline of events related to the shooting, shedding light on the motives of the perpetrator.
According to CNN, law enforcement officials found a note in the pocket of the gunman, Anthony Dwayne McRae, indicating that he was "tired of being rejected" and feeling hurt.
The two-page document, written on spiral notebook paper, was dated a day before the tragic incident occurred.
Parts of the note were redacted by the police for investigative purposes.
The note revealed McRae's self-identification and mentioned his grievances, with repeated phrases such as "they hate me" and expressions of feeling rejected and unnoticed.
It also included a list of targeted locations, indicating that McRae considered himself the leader of a group of 20 people and suggesting the existence of another team planning to attack those sites.
However, investigations conducted by MSU DPPS, Michigan State Police, and the FBI have conclusively determined that McRae acted alone and did not have any accomplices.
Moving Forward with Remembrance
With the announcement of the memorial plan, Michigan State University aims to provide solace and support to the victims' families and the wider community affected by the February mass shooting.
During February's shooting, according to the BBC, three people were killed and five others who were injured were in critical condition at the time.
The victims were Arielle Diamond Anderson, Alex Verner, and Brian Fraser.
The creation of a permanent memorial will serve as a lasting testament to the lives lost and the resilience of the MSU community.
The university plans to embark on a collaborative process to ensure the memorial is planned with the utmost thoughtfulness and respect.
By involving various stakeholders, MSU aims to create a space that honors the memory of the victims and provides a place for healing, reflection, and remembrance.
As the healing journey continues, the unveiling of this memorial will undoubtedly serve as a poignant reminder of the strength and unity displayed by the Michigan State University community in the face of adversity.
