February 13 Memorial

Mockup of proposed Feb. 13 memorial fountain area

Overview of Scope

On February 13, 2023, the MSU community endured a tragic act of violence at two campus locations: Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. Three students lost their lives and five more were critically injured. In October 2023, MSU convened a permanent memorial committee to guide the creation of a lasting on-campus memorial through a transparent and inclusive process. The committee’s efforts included: 

  • A public survey and focus groups held from February-April 2024 to define the memorial’s
    purpose, design, and location.
  • A public request for proposals (RFP) for memorial designs issued in July 2024.
  • Selection of finalists by the memorial committee and members of the Public Art on Campus
  • Committee in September 2024.
  • Collection of community feedback on the three finalist designs from February-March 2025.
  • Final selection of a winning memorial design in June 2025.
  • Construction to begin June 2026.
  • Completion of the memorial is expected in Fall 2026.

This project will construct a memorial fountain, benches, and surrounding plantings, replacing the existing fountain at Old Horticulture Gardens. This memorial will honor those affected and will stand as a lasting tribute to the loss and resilience of the Spartan community.

The chosen design will incorporate elements such as water, white marble, split-faced black granite, and seasonal plantings to honor the loss experienced by the Spartan community. Learn more at spartanstogether.msu.edu/memorial.

Collaborators

  • DESIGNER: CARLOS PORTILLO AND JESSICA GUINTO,
    FISHBECK AS LOCAL AE
  • CONTRACTOR: THE CHRISTMAN COMPANY

Phase

  • Construction

Budget

  • $3.9M

Schedule

  • Construction start: June 2026
  • Substantial completion: Fall 2026
    • specialized winter fountain equipment will be installed in January.
    • additional planting and landscaping will be done in the spring

Capital Project Number

  • CP25033

 

Photo from September 18, 2026 showing fountain installation in progress.

large pile of dirt in the forefront of the image with construction teams working to create the fountain

The white fencing is in place to protect the nearby trees from construction equipment. This fencing will be removed once the fountain is completed. 

Questions?

Andy Linebaugh
Project Manager
linebau6@msu.edu Contact IPF 517-353-1760
Projects Overview