Seattle's University of Washington honors slain student Juniper Blessing
UW community honors student killed in stabbing
University of Washington students gathered for an emotional memorial walk to honor 19-year-old Juniper Blessing, while school officials announced a new scholarship in memory of the student brutally killed last month.
SEATTLE - University of Washington students and staff gathered Monday afternoon to move a makeshift memorial honoring Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old student who was killed last month.
Dozens of people assembled in Red Square on the Seattle campus to pay their respects before relocating the memorial items to a protected space inside Mary Gates Hall.
Community honors Juniper Blessing
Blessing, 19, died following a stabbing in the laundry room of an off-campus housing apartment complex.
The initial memorial was filled with flowers, candles, flags, and handwritten messages, including one that read, "Rest well Juniper."
Flowers, flags and photos at the memorial for Juniper Blessing at the University of Washington. (FOX 13 Seattle)
During the emotional gathering, community members walked down a pathway etched with hearts and stars. One by one, each participant carried a piece of the memorial to its new campus location.
Students unite in grief
The event brought together both those who knew Blessing and those who never had the chance to meet her.
"What happened to her was really unjust and it makes me angry," said UW student Lizzy Smith. "It’s really important for all of us students to come together even if they didn’t know her, she was still one of us."
Participants noted that while the tragedy has deeply impacted the university, it has also strengthened community bonds.
"It’s really hurt our community, but it’s also brought us together," Smith said.
A drawing of slain UW student Juniper Blessing at her memorial on campus. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Organizers of the memorial walk requested that members of the media maintain their distance during the procession. The boundary was requested to allow friends, students, and staff a private, protected space to honor Blessing's memory.
Juniper Blessing Memorial Scholarship
The University of Washington also announced it is now offering the "Juniper Blessing Memorial Scholarship" to students who are proactive in the LGBTQ+ community and studying music.
Blessing is remembered for her remarkable musical talent, described as a gifted vocalist with a "magnificent" voice. Her scholarship will go to UW students participating in Q Center programming, particularly those actively engaged in music.
"As we begin Pride Month, I encourage all of us to celebrate in the spirit of love, resilience, openness, and joy," said Rickey Hall, vice president for Minority Affairs and Diversity and the UW Diversity Officer. "Even as we grieve, we can honor one another by showing up for community and carrying forward the values that pride represents."
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The Source: Information in this sotyr came from original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.