Newly Planted Tree Honors Football Players, Each a Symbol of ‘Peace, Love and Joy’

September 8, 2023 • Andrew Ramspacher, fpa5up@virginia.edu

University News

Newly Planted Tree Honors Football Players, Each a Symbol of ‘Peace, Love and Joy’

September 8, 2023

Photos By
Sanjay Suchak, sanjay@virginia.edu

Devin Chandler could break into dance at a moment’s notice, an extension of his infectious humor and a smile that would light up a room.

Lavel Davis Jr. carried himself with undeniable charisma and confidence that impressed those he worked with on the University of Virginia’s Grounds, especially his coaches and professors.

D’Sean Perry’s gentle soul and deep passion for football and art was easy to see, on and off the field.

When people walk by the overcup oak tree planted Friday afternoon on the Betsy and John Casteen Arts Grounds, University President Jim Ryan wants them to reflect on those facts and more about Chandler, Davis and Perry. The three UVA football players were slain in last November’s shooting on Grounds, which also injured football player Mike Hollins and student Marlee Morgan.

President Jim Ryan giving speech during ceremony

President Jim Ryan said the tree is planted for three intertwined reasons – to remember, to give thanks and to embrace life, “both the seen and unseen, the joy and the sorrow.”

Ryan, alongside Director of Athletics Carla Williams and Rector Robert Hardie, led Friday’s tree planting and plaque dedication ceremony in front of a crowd assembled between Ruffin Hall and the Department of Drama building. The families of Chandler, Davis and Perry were in attendance.

The UVA football team was also there, less than 24 hours before their first home game since their teammates’ deaths.

“We plant this tree, first and foremost, to remember,” Ryan said. “This oak, for as long as it stands, will help us all remember Devin, Lavel and D’Sean, and who they were as people.”

While 10 months have passed since the shooting, Ryan said the loss still feels raw and incomprehensible. The trio was on a bus with fellow students returning from a field trip to see a play in Washington when a gunman, also a student on the bus, opened fire.

Mike Hollins standing with team at the ceremony

Mike Hollins, the football player injured in last November’s shooting, attended Friday’s ceremony with his family by his side.

“But those of us left behind must face this loss, even if it remains hard to comprehend or fully accept,” Ryan said. “We must do what we can to honor and remember those who were lost and those who were injured.

“We must support, as best we can, those still suffering and grieving, including family members, friends, teammates, teachers and classmates, as well as those in the broader community who lived through some terrifying hours on the night of Nov. 13.”

The tree, Ryan said, also gives thanks to the first responders, health professionals and law enforcement officers for their grace under pressure on that tragic night and in the days and weeks that followed.

The president also recognized student leaders who organized the moving vigil on the Lawn the day after the shooting; the members of the football program, including head coach Tony Elliott, who delivered heartfelt tributes to their teammates at the memorial at John Paul Jones Arena on Nov. 18; and Williams, who “has never wavered in her support of the families of the fallen and injured, of our football players and all of our student-athletes and coaches.”

Members of the community taking turns planting the tree

After Ryan, Robert Hardie, Carla Williams and members of the slain players’ families took turns shoveling dirt onto the tree’s root ball.

“Our gratitude is to all of you who lent a hand, prayed for those affected by the shooting, and gave kindness to someone in this community who needed it,” Ryan said. “This tree, which will be beautiful, grand and not just strong, but ‘UVA strong,’ is a symbol of our deep gratitude for this incomparably strong and caring community.”

When Williams sees the tree, she said she’ll think of peace, love and joy – the three words selected by classmates of Chandler, Davis and Perry to describe their late friends.

The peace is for Perry: “An expansive system that is creative and expressive and also foundational because it holds everything and everyone together. Because of this tapestry’s stability and its presence, it brings a peaceful reassurance to all of us,” she said.

The love is for Davis: “[The tree] is a gentle giant, simply beautiful with a smile as bright as the morning sun and so wide it stretches from sunrise to sunset. This tree is determined to make a difference in its surroundings. And this tree has a heart of gold filled with love,” she said.

The plaque dedicated to Chandler, Davis Jr. and Perry that will reside at the tree’s base.

The joy is for Chandler: “The sounds of the [tree leaves’] movement draws attention to the tree, almost like laughter, laughter that springs hope in each of us. Leaves, capturing the energy of the sunlight, to help give life to the tree. Leaves that not only bring life to the tree, but leaves that bring joy to the tree,” she said.

There’s a tradition at UVA to plant trees to honor people and moments that have shaped the University’s history.

Friday added to that ritual in a remarkable way.

“This tree planting symbolizes remembrance, but also gratitude and life,” Hardie said. “There are many trees on Grounds that are well over 100 years old. We expect this young oak to grow and be enjoyed for many years, reminding us of Devin, Lavel and D’Sean.”

Hardie then quoted poet Thomas Campbell – “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Ryan, Williams and Hardie concluded the ceremony by shoveling dirt over the tree’s root ball, then handed the shovels to the slain players’ families, who followed suit. The members of the football team then lined up to take turns, followed by the rest of those in attendance.