This week marks an important milestone for the Michigan State University community. After nearly two years of thoughtful planning, discussion, and collaboration, the MSU Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the final design for the February 13 Permanent Memorial.
As someone who has had the honor and privilege of co-chairing the February 13 Permanent Memorial Planning Committee, I am filled with gratitude. The process has not been easy. The weight of the task demanded compassion, patience, and care, but the result is a design that will stand as a lasting tribute to the lives lost, the survivors, and all those touched by the tragedy.
A Design Rooted in Reflection
The memorial, designed by artists Jessica Guinto and Carlos Portillo, will take shape in the Old Horticultural Garden, a serene green space on campus. At its heart will be a circular reflective fountain crafted from black granite flecked with light and surrounded by a smooth white marble border. Even in winter, the water will remain warm and active, offering a sense of movement and life during the year’s coldest months.
Around the fountain, three marble benches will offer space for reflection, while polished stones embedded into the pathways will honor those lost, creating places where flowers or tokens can be left. The landscaping will feature flowing grasses, shrubs, and seasonal perennials, adding texture and color across all seasons. The design invites quiet moments of remembrance while also creating a welcoming, natural gathering space.
A Community-Driven Journey
This memorial is more than a design. It is the product of collective effort. In early 2024, the committee invited the MSU community to share what the memorial should represent, how people might interact with it, and where it should be located.
A nationwide call for proposals brought in numerous creative visions. After narrowing the field to three finalists, nearly 5,000 individuals contributed feedback through surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions. The final design reflects not only artistic vision but also the voices and hopes of Spartans near and far.
As MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said, “This permanent memorial offers a place for reflection, healing and remembrance—a space where our community can honor the lives lost and those who were injured and affected.”
Moving Forward Together
With Board approval, planning now shifts toward construction. The memorial will soon transform from vision to reality, becoming a place where generations of Spartans can come together in remembrance, healing, and resilience.
For those of us who walked this journey of planning, it is humbling to see the community’s input, care, and determination take shape in stone, water, and landscape. This space will not erase pain, but it will help carry memory forward in a way that is both enduring and hopeful.
To read more about the design and process, visit the official MSU Today article.