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Thousands of Florida State University students, educators, and staff assembled under the sweltering April sun for the inauguration of the Student Union on Monday, following the heartbreaking occurrences of April 17.

Many attended to commemorate the victims, support each other, and reclaim a space that holds significant meaning for the FSU community. This day was made possible partly through the efforts of numerous compassionate university and Aramark staff and volunteers, including students.

The Rev. Michael Fegins from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee initiated the event and extended words of solace.

FSU President Richard McCullough and Provost Jim Clark addressed the audience from a platform positioned at the entrance of the Union’s Legacy Walk.

First Lady Jai Vartikar, members of the Board of Governors, the FSU Board of Trustees, university leaders, local law enforcement, local officials, and long-serving Student Union employee Eva Killings were also present. Killings, frequently referred to as the Union’s love ambassador, is celebrated for her generosity and over 50 years of dedication to Florida State.

“This is not a festivity,” McCullough stated. “This is a moment of respect. A chance to reflect. To take a step towards healing. A moment of resilience. Of quiet strength.”

He continued: “We’re standing just steps from where a senseless act of violence rattled our community. We are grief-stricken.”

McCullough referenced the tragic loss of Robert Morales, a long-time FSU employee, and Tiru Chabba, a South Carolinian visiting the campus for work.

He also recognized the students who sustained injuries.

“We’re thankful our five students are discharged from the hospital and anticipated to make a full recovery,” he expressed.

McCullough expressed gratitude to FSU Police for their prompt reaction and commended faculty, staff, and students who provided assistance that day.

“Many of you demonstrated acts of bravery,” he remarked. “You saved lives.”

The crowd then observed a moment of silence.

McCullough mentioned that the decision to open the Union was influenced by students, particularly seniors, who desired an opportunity to return before graduation.

“This is the heart of campus,” he stated. “We can’t allow hatred or violence to alter what this place signifies. It may change us, but it does not define us. What defines us is our response.”

He added: “You’re not isolated. Even after you depart, you will not be alone. We are family, and we support one another. This is how we mend.”

Provost Jim Clark, who spent much of his career in social services, labeled it as a significant and challenging moment.

“We’re situated in a place that embodies both joy and sorrow,” Clark noted. “It encompasses the weight of what we’ve lost and the strength of our identity.”

Healing, he remarked, involves confronting the truth and advancing together.

“The Union was established for connection, laughter, and learning. That essence remains,” Clark expressed. “We now carry the memory of those we lost and commemorate the bravery of everyone present.”

Clark encouraged students to heal in their own manner.

“You have the liberty to make the choice that serves you best,” he indicated.

Following Clark’s comments, Rabbi Catriel Garland provided additional comforting words.

FSU Trustee and Student Body President Carson Dale subsequently joined McCullough in guiding students, faculty, and staff back inside the Union.

Among the attendees were friends Grace Manno, a senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience, and Kamryn Jorgensen, a senior focusing on Finance.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Jorgensen mentioned that their friend group made it a point to spend time together each day.

“We’ve established a home here,” Jorgensen stated. “Losing that, even briefly, unsettled us.”

Manno concurred.

“When the incident occurred, it rattled me because this place has been my sanctuary,” she shared.

Both expressed that attending the opening felt restorative.

Manno remarked, “It was wonderful to see everyone united once again.”

The post ‘This is how we heal’: FSU returns to Student Union with reflection and resolve appeared first on Florida State University News.

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