OREM, Utah — Students at Utah Valley University returned to campus on Wednesday as a part of a phased return to school, exactly one week after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed.
The ever-growing memorial for Kirk is one of the first things students see as they return to the classroom. For student Blake Sturgeon and others, a sense of heaviness lingers around campus.
“There’s been shootings that have happened around the world, but when it’s my school, it’s kind of weird,” Sturgeon shared.
“People are a little bit nervous and unsure," said student Emma Nielsen. "It’s kind of heavy being on campus."
School president Astrid Tuminez added that care and human connection are what she’s hoping to bring back into the halls of Utah Valley University.
“I really want you to understand that the feelings of hurt are real," she said.
UVU mom lines campus with motivational signs as classes resume after fatal shooting:
The university is supporting students and staff by providing counseling services and therapy dogs at the Young Living Alumni Center.
“It’s hard to learn in an environment where you’re not focused on your schoolwork and are focused on other things," explained VP of Institutional Advancement Kyle Reyes.
"So we want to create an environment where students can continue their progress towards their educational goals."
Reyes couldn't go into specific detail about security, but the school has already implemented a larger police presence. With extra support and security, Reyes hopes students can remember that UVU is a safe space for everyone.
“To be able to communicate to our students that we still value everyone's voices in this, even as we’re trying to heal, is still very important to us," he added.
All the efforts are coming together to help students wherever they currently are in the healing process.
“I just hope that everyone can take from this that we can treat each other with more love and compassion and help each other through hard things," Nielsen said.
The university is also making sure students know they can call 988 to be immediately connected to a counselor who is always available.
