A Message from UVA President Jim Ryan

Hi everyone. I’m Jim Ryan, president of UVA. As all of you know, tomorrow is the anniversary of one of the most difficult days we have ever experienced on Grounds. On November 13, 2022, we lost Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry to a tragic shooting, which also injured Mike Hollins and Marlee Morgan.

At 12:55 tomorrow, the Chapel bells will toll in remembrance of Devin, Lavel and D’Sean. I’d like to ask all of you to pause from routine activities and join me at that time for a moment of silence and reflection. It’s my hope that this will be a chance for the entire University community to join one another in remembrance.

Tomorrow will be a hard day. There is no single right way to spend it. Some may find solace in keeping to a regular schedule. Others may wish to visit the plaque and the memorial tree we planted earlier this fall in honor of Devin, Lavel and D’Sean.

There will also be a number of events on Grounds throughout the day, including an open house at Carr’s Hill for students. Faculty are invited to an open house at 108 Cresap Rd. organized by the Provost’s office. And students are planning a community remembrance from 7 to 9 on the south end of the Lawn. Schools and units are offering additional activities, which are listed in UVA Today.

However you choose to observe the day, I hope you are able to find some time to reflect and to be with others. Please also know that we are here to support you. For our students, please reach out if you need a hand, whether it is to a friend, CAPS or our team in Student Affairs. Faculty and staff, as always, can access support through FEAP.

Nothing can bring back Devin, Lavel and D’Sean. But we can honor them, as well as Mike and Marlee, by remembering. We can honor them by holding those who are still grieving close to our hearts. And we can honor them by supporting one another. Thank you.