A message from Chancellor Guskiewicz: Tonight’s vigil

Updated information

• The candlelight vigil will be held at the Dean E. Smith Center.
• Free parking is available in the Skipper Bowles, Manning and Williamson lots and the Craige Deck.
• Chapel Hill Transit will operate the R and RU routes through 9:30 p.m. P2P Express service will begin at 7 p.m.
• You may also watch a livestream of the event.

Dear Carolina Community,

This evening at 7:30 p.m. we will hold a candlelight vigil to bring our community together following the loss of Dr. Zijie Yan. The event will be held on Polk Place with a rain location at the Dean E. Smith Center. More details and a final location will be posted on the University Calendar. Please join us as we gather to mourn this tragic event and work to heal together.

As we return to classes and activities tomorrow, it is important that we take time to mark the impact of this shooting, which has shaken the trust and safety of our campus. Tonight’s vigil is a chance to gather, listen to each other and grieve during this difficult time. I encourage each one of you to join us as we recognize the loss in our community.

Please know that the University hotline is available for students, faculty, staff and the broader community at 919-918-1999. Our website, unc.edu, will continue to share information about this tragic event as it becomes available, along with mental health resources.

As I have listened to the experiences of our students, faculty and staff over the last two days, I remain in awe of the courage, empathy and grace that so many have shown to one another. As we work to strengthen and rebuild our community together in the days and weeks to come, I encourage you to continue supporting your fellow Tar Heels. We need each other and we can’t face the challenges of our world alone. That is always true, but especially so this week. Let’s continue to show that compassion and humanity that defines who we are as a Carolina community.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor