‘This is how we heal’: FSU returns to Student Union with reflection and resolve

Thousands of Florida State University students, faculty and staff gathered under a hot April sun for the opening of the Student Union on Monday, following the tragic events of April 17.   

Many came to honor the victims, support one another and reclaim a space that means so much to the FSU community. The day was made possible in part thanks to hundreds of caring university and Aramark employees and volunteers, including students.  

The Rev. Michael Fegins of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee opened the event and offered words of comfort.  

FSU President Richard McCullough and Provost Jim Clark addressed the crowd from a stage set up at the Union’s Legacy Walk entrance. 

First Lady Jai Vartikar, members of the Board of Governors, the FSU Board of Trustees, university leaders, law enforcement partners, local officials and longtime Student Union employee Eva Killings were also in attendance. Killings, often called the Union’s love ambassador, is known for her kindness and more than 50 years of service to Florida State. 

“This is not a celebration,” McCullough said. “This is a moment of respect. A time to reflect. To take a step toward healing. A moment of resilience. Of quiet strength.” 

He continued: “We’re standing just steps from where a senseless act of violence shook our community. We are heartbroken.” 

McCullough was referring to the deaths of Robert Morales, a longtime FSU employee, and Tiru Chabba, of South Carolina who was visiting campus for work. 

He also acknowledged the students who were injured. 

“We’re grateful our five students are out of the hospital and expected to fully recover,” he said. 

McCullough thanked FSU Police for their quick response and praised faculty, staff and students who helped that day. 

“Many of you performed acts of heroism,” he said. “You saved lives.” 

The crowd then observed a moment of silence. 

McCullough said the decision to open the Union was guided by students, especially seniors, who wanted a chance to return before graduating. 

“This is the heart of campus,” he said. “We can’t let hatred or violence change what this place means. It can change us, but it doesn’t define us. What defines us is how we respond.” 

He added: “You’re not alone. Even after you leave, you will not be alone. We are family, and we show up for each other. This is how we heal.” 

Provost Jim Clark, who spent much of his career in social work, called it an important and difficult moment. 

“We’re standing in a place that carries both joy and pain,” Clark said. “It holds the gravity of what we’ve lost and the strength of who we are.” 

Healing, he said, means facing the truth and moving forward together. 

“The Union was built for connection, laughter and learning. That hasn’t changed,” Clark said. “We now carry the memory of those we lost and honor the courage of everyone here.”   

Clark urged students to heal in their own way. 

“You have the freedom to make the decision that serves you best,” he said. 

After Clark’s remarks, Rabbi Catriel Garland offered additional words of comfort. 

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

Among those in the crowd were friends Grace Manno, a senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience, and Kamryn Jorgensen, a senior majoring in Finance. 

Since the shooting, Jorgensen said, their group of friends has made a point to spend time together every day. 

“We’ve made a home here,” Jorgensen said. “Losing that, even for a little while, shook us.” 

Manno agreed. 

“When everything happened, it shook me because this place has been my serenity,” she said. 

Both said attending the opening felt healing. 

Said Manno, “It was nice seeing everyone together again.”  

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