Spartans coming together

Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. joined a group of faculty, staff and students in a walk from the Spartan statue to a campus vigil on Feb. 15. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

ASMSU student body president Jo Kovach speaks at a campus vigil Feb. 15. In their speech, Kovach helped remember the students who died, spoke on their personal feelings surrounding the tragedy and urged attendees and viewers to “check in on their fellow Spartans, be there for one another and be there for yourselves.” Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The MSU Broad Art Museum is filled with Spartan green light. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Flags fly at half-mast over Hannah Administration Building. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Candles and flowers were laid near the Rock during a vigil held Feb. 15. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Many Spartans brought their canine companions to campus on Feb. 19, offering free hugs and puppy cuddles alongside snacks, resources and support for students returning to campus, during the Spartan Sunday event. Photo by Nick Schrader.

At a campus vigil on Feb. 15, MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo offered support to MSU students and the community. “We need each other. For 40 years, I've always believed at Michigan State, we are at our strongest when we're together. If any of you need help, please speak up.” Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Participants of the student-led vigil light candles near the Rock. Photo by Brennan Mahokey, first-year student at MSU.

Spartans gathered on Feb. 21 for a student-led vigil outside the MSU Auditorium. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Volunteers hand out flowers Feb. 19 as part of Spartan Sunday, a student-led event created to provide a positive, welcoming environment for students returning to campus. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Therapy dogs lent a compassionate paw to students seeking comfort at the MSU Library on Feb. 17. The library is offering several more opportunities to visit with dogs this week, and more details can be found on its website. Photo by G.L. Kohuth.

A vigil was held on the evening of Feb. 15 at the MSU Auditorium and the Rock on campus, to mourn the students who died and were critically injured. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

“The vigil represents what is best about the Spartan community — coming together to be there for each other, the community, the state, the country and the world,” said Allyn Shaw, assistant vice president for student involvement and leadership in Student Life and Engagement. “We are honoring those we have lost and those who are recovering, but also the gathering shows that it’s okay to not be okay.” Photo by Nick Schrader.