A Day of Remembrance

“UNC Charlotte continues to grow stronger as a result of positive accomplishments but also by weathering the difficult moments. Recovery is only made possible by remembrance and resilience. A resilient Niner Nation remembers this day and always will.”

—CHANCELLOR EMERITUS PHILIP L. DUBOIS

On April 30, 2021, the UNC Charlotte community came together to mark two years since the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of Reed Parlier and Riley Howell, physically injured Rami Alramadhan, Sean DeHart, Emily Houpt and Drew Pescaro and left all of Niner Nation stunned and heartbroken. The day honored the lives and bravery of Reed and Riley, the strength of the survivors and the resilience of our community.

A sunrise wreath-laying ceremony at the Kennedy Building, led by the Department of Police and Public Safety and Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, opened this year’s Day of Remembrance, followed by in-person and virtual events and culminating in a virtual Remembrance Program online and in Jerry Richardson Stadium that concluded with the ringing of the ceremonial Old Bell.

The virtual program featured remarks by Gaber, Chancellor Emeritus Philip L. Dubois, Professor Julia Robinson Moore, Student Government Association representatives Tahlieah Sampson and Chandler Crean ‘20; choral performances by The Charlotteans and Voices of Eden; a video chronicling the lives of Riley Howell and Reed Parlier; and the announcement by College of Arts + Architecture Dean Brook Muller about the design for the memorial to be constructed at Belk Plaza in front of Kennedy.

At sundown, PPS ceremonially removed the wreaths from their positions at Kennedy, signifying the conclusion of the day’s events.

A memorial that ‘stands the test of time’

A “constellation garden” that follows the orientation of the stars above the Kennedy Building on April 30, 2019, is the basis of the conceptual design for the UNC Charlotte Remembrance Memorial. The memorial will honor and forever remember Riley Howell and Reed Parlier, who lost their lives in that day’s campus shooting, and pay tribute to Rami Alramadhan, Sean DeHart, Emily Houpt and Drew Pescaro, who suffered physical injuries, and everyone who was present in Kennedy 236.

Brook Muller, dean of UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture and chair of the Memorial Jury, announced the decision for the permanent memorial on April 30 during this year’s Virtual Day of Remembrance commemoration. The design, submitted by TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, Hypersonic Collaborative and Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture, was selected from four finalists and a total of 36 submissions from locally and nationally known design teams.

“All the finalists’ designs were incredibly creative,” said Muller. “The presentation led by TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, however, was moving and emotional. Every element is active and engaging, and thoughtfully attached to meaning specific to the UNC Charlotte community. The depiction of the stars, portrayed by lights that are activated when people touch the memorial’s arched structure; the adjacent gathering spaces that feature symbols-based plants that represent human emotions such as sorrow, divine sacrifice, strength, hope, love, and peace and harmony; and stone benches etched with the names of Reed and Riley and the survivors create an atmosphere of contemplation and reflection, with textured earthbound elements complementing those that are high tech.”

TEN x TEN will begin meeting with University stakeholders to present the conceptual design illustrating how the commemorative space will be developed. Groundbreaking for the memorial is expected to take place in April 2022.

“In my time as chancellor, I have watched and learned from a community that has been united and fortified by the challenges it has endured,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “I fully endorse the commission’s recommendations. It is a beautiful memorial that unites Riley’s love of nature with Reed’s passion for technology — and captures the strength and resilience of our survivors and Niner Nation. It is a memorial that will stand the test of time.”

“I hope future generations will know the honor it is to be part of Niner Nation, and they say they are a Niner with pride… And I hope they will always honor our survivors and remember with gratitude the bravery and sacrifices of Reed and Riley. Forever Niners, and forever in our hearts.”

—TAHLIEAH SAMPSON STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT 2020-21

“You have taught me that community isn’t defined by geography; it is founded on connection and compassion. Niner Nation is everywhere; it extends beyond campus, state and even national borders. And Niners will answer every call to help and support one another.”