MSU Holds Day of Remembrance Three Years After Deadly Mass Shooting

The university cancelled most classes to give the Spartan community space to reflect and honor those impacted by the 2023 tragedy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Friday marked three years since a shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students and injured five others. The university cancelled most classes to give the Spartan community the space to reflect and honor those impacted by the shooting. Events were held throughout the day centering mental health support and opportunities to give back, with organizers saying the day of caring was about turning grief into action and making sure no one feels alone.

Why it matters

The 2023 MSU shooting was a traumatic event that deeply impacted the university community. This Day of Remembrance provides an opportunity for the campus to come together, process their grief, and ensure the memory of those lost is not forgotten, even as time passes and the last cohort of students who experienced the tragedy graduates.

The details

Flowers marked the spaces where students gathered to grieve, including Berkey Hall, the MSU Union, the Spartan Statue, the Rock, and a memorial bench. Fourth-year student Meg Vandermark, who was inside the Union when the shooting began, described the chaos and fear of that night, saying her sense of security in the building was shattered. Student Body President Kathryn Harding noted that even students who weren't on campus during the shooting understand its magnitude and impact on the community, and a permanent memorial space is in the works to continue fostering remembrance and healing.

  • Friday, February 13, 2026 marks the 3-year anniversary of the deadly MSU shooting.

The players

Meg Vandermark

A fourth-year student at Michigan State University who was inside the MSU Union when the 2023 shooting began.

Kathryn Harding

The current Student Body President at Michigan State University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was a long night, it was a really long night. All my sense of security within the Union building was gone.”

— Meg Vandermark, Fourth-year student (woodtv.com)

“The people who may not have been here on campus when the shooting happened still understand the magnitude of it and how much it affected our community.”

— Kathryn Harding, Student Body President (woodtv.com)

What’s next

MSU said it plans to play music before holding a moment of silence and then ringing the Beaumont Tower bells from 8:10 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as part of the Day of Remembrance.

The takeaway

This Day of Remembrance is a poignant reminder of the lasting impact the 2023 MSU shooting has had on the university community. By providing space for reflection, healing, and remembrance, the school is ensuring the memory of those lost is honored and that no one affected by the tragedy feels alone, even as time passes.