CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the fourth anniversary of a deadly shooting on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte nears, the school held a Day of Remembrance Friday. They also dedicated a new memorial.
Two wreaths were carried in by police and public safety officers in honor of Howell and Parlier, whose lives were cut short. The 'Constellation Garden Memorial' is dedicated to them and serves as a reminder of the Niner nation's resilience.
"I know there are deep emotions as we remember a day that brought both inconceivable tragedy and incredible perseverance," said Chancellor Sharon Gaber.
"This beautiful memorial will help us share the stories with all Niners who come after us. Through this place and through us we will know the exceptional young men Reed and Riley were and the strength of our survivors," said Kevin Bailey, Chancellor of Student Affairs.
The structure is now a permanent fixture at Charlotte and is located at the heart of the campus. Gaber said it captures Howell’s love of nature and Parlier’s love for technology. The memorial lights up at a push of a button and it offers the community a place of solace.
"I think this is just a great way to honor two lives that were lost and the ones that were hurt in a way they can come and remember the pain that they had and their lost... in a beautiful way," said Monica Repe, a student.
“When we see it at night and how it lights up..it will just show the unity of the students," said Bethany Mavromatis, a student.
A memory wall was also created for students to post personal messages and notes of reflection.
In years previous, the campus community gathered - both virtually and in-person - to honor and remember the forever bond of Niner nation.
“This day is just to make sure that the people I care about are okay,” Liam Caldwell, a student, told WCNC Charlotte during last year's ceremony.
The memories of that day are still fresh for so many people.
“It was a while ago, but I can also remember it very, very vividly," Jordan Estabrook, another student, said at the time. "I don’t think it’s something you can ever forget and in a certain sense, I don’t ever want to forget it."
She was finishing up her semester in Colvard, a building near where the shooting happened. She remembers the fear she felt locked in her classroom and in the days after.
“I struggled after that," she recalled. "My capstone class was back in that room that I was locked in but for me, it was more about overcoming that fear and overcoming it by remembering how strong our university is."
It’s that strength that’s kept her on campus. She graduated and took a job with the University’s communications department, choosing to stay in the community that gave her a new perspective on life.
“There is an acknowledgment that nothing is permanent, nothing is forever, so how do we treat the relationships in our lives?" Estabrook asked. "How does that look different knowing that anything can happen?"
UNC Charlotte additionally has an April 30 Memorial digital exhibit, which features photos, videos, letters, and more to highlight the campus and surrounding community's response.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.