LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State University Union, once a bustling hub for students to eat, shop, and study, now holds a different kind of significance in the wake of the tragic shooting that took place on February 13, 2023. On that day, a gunman opened fire in the Union, resulting in the deaths of three students and leaving five others injured. The violence left an indelible mark on the campus and, especially, on the Union itself.
Since the shooting, the Union has become a place where students both reflect on the tragedy and reclaim their sense of safety and community. While for some, walking through the Union’s doors is a painful reminder of the events, others view it as an opportunity to honor the lives lost and reaffirm their commitment to moving forward.
Freshman Reese Graalman, who frequents the Union several times a week, shared how the tragedy didn’t shake her resolve to remain part of the Spartan community. “I really loved seeing the community come together and just how much everyone cared,” Graalman said. “I think it brought everyone closer.”
For her friend, Kristen Delorenzo, the impact of the shooting hit even closer to home. Delorenzo’s sister was present in the Union during the shooting, and the experience was understandably traumatic. “I remember it was really scary because I was texting her throughout it, and it was really sad to hear about,” Delorenzo recalled.
Despite the pain, Graalman and Delorenzo both emphasized the importance of reclaiming the Union as a space for healing. “It’s important to honor those who passed and not ignore it,” Graalman said. “We’re not trying to erase that at all, but it’s also important to bring light back into the space and not live in fear.”
A new art exhibit at the Union aims to help facilitate that process of healing. The exhibit, which encourages collaboration and reflection, has become a symbol of the community’s resilience. Located just upstairs from Graalman and Delorenzo’s usual study spot, the exhibit invites students to come together, engage with art, and begin to process the traumatic events in a way that honors both grief and recovery.
The exhibit is part of a larger effort by the university and its students to reclaim a space that, just a year ago, was marred by violence. While the Union will forever be associated with the tragedy, it is clear that it is also becoming a place for healing, hope, and a renewed sense of community.
As MSU students continue to navigate life in the aftermath of the shooting, spaces like the Union offer a chance to reflect on the past while also looking toward the future. The process of healing may be long, but the resilience of the Spartan community remains undeniable.
