A year after the murder of a first-year theater and dance student on the University of Texas campus, students and staff held a memorial service for the slain victim.
Memorial Ceremony for Haruka Weiser set to begin at 8pm. UT's main mall @KVUE pic.twitter.com/6SO224zCHV
— Brandon Jones (@BrandonJ_KVUE) April 4, 2017
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UT President Greg Fenves, Student Government Vice President Micky Wolf and Weiser's roommate Sylvia Feghali spoke at the memorial.
"We want to remember that day in a special way so everyone will always remember who she was," Feghali said.
On April 5, 2016, Haruka Weiser's body was found in Waller Creek on campus just west of the Alumni Center. Investigators said she was headed home from dance practice when she was attacked. An autopsy report determined she was sexually assaulted and strangled.
Three days after her body was found, Meechaiel Criner, 18, was arrested in connection to her death, charged with capital murder.
READ MORE: Haruka Weiser's Death: What we know so far
Tuesday, in a letter to students, University President Greg Fenves wrote, "I know her name still brings back a flood of memories for every member of our community. When hearing it, we are instantly reminded of our loss and also the legacy left behind."
The Weiser family sent a letter to the UT community which was read by her dorm roommate during the memorial.
Haruka Day Anniversary.As April is approaching, we have been thinking about how we will be facing the anniversary of the worst day of our life. On April 3, 2016, our beloved daughter Haruka was murdered on the campus of UT Austin on the way back to her dorm after she finished preparing for the upcoming dance performance. It was around 9:30 pm. As much as we do not want to remember what happened to her, we do understand how important it is to remember this tragedy, so that schools that Haruka attended, UT Austin and ACMA can continue to work on campus safety and building stronger communities.
At the same time, we want to remember that day in a special way so everyone will always remember who she was. On that day, Haruka became an angel for everyone. She became a teacher to guide us with her bright faith. Her light lifts our hearts even when we are in the darkest moments of our life. Her light continues to remind us of the goodness in us, in all humankind. Haruka was an innocent victim of a random act of violence.
As we were reminded during her funeral service, violence does not have the last word. Rather, we found ourselves completely surrounded by people who deeply care about us. Kindness, caring and grace are the lasting words for us and a tribute to Haruka.
Today on the one year anniversary of Haruka Weiser's death, her family shared kind words with @UTAustin & #AustinPD. RIP, Haruka. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LSS3l2xuLC
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) April 3, 2017
After Weiser's death, Fenves said the University took steps to make the university a safer campus.
Those include:
- Upgrades to campus lighting systems, pathways and security cameras.
- Increased availability of nighttime transportation and emergency call boxes on and off campus.
- Increased police presence on campus.
- Improved collaboration between university and local police.
- Community outreach and security awareness campaigns to reduce risk for students, faculty and staff.
READ MORE: Close friend of Haruka Weiser shares memories of slain UT student
On April 3 at 8 p.m., the UT government hosted the memorial service in Weiser's honor in the Main Hall.
Read the letter from University President Greg Fenves in full below:
Dear UT Community,As the first anniversary approaches of the murder of Haruka Weiser on our campus, I know her name still brings back a flood of memories for every member of our community. When hearing it, we are instantly reminded of our loss and also the legacy left behind.
Haruka was a performance arts major and a dancer. Her friends looked up to her. Haruka’s professors respected her. She was committed to her studies, but she also made time for everyone around her. She was hard-working, passionate and humble. Haruka was a Longhorn.
The loss that Haruka’s family experienced last year was unthinkable. Their strength, courage and grace in the face of such tragedy steadied everyone and set an example for how we could move forward, together.
On April 3 at 8 p.m., UT Student Government will host a memorial ceremony in Haruka’s honor on the Main Mall. I strongly encourage all members of our community to attend so we can continue the healing process that began a year ago.
Since April of 2016, the university has reviewed security vulnerabilities at UT and improved safety. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) completed a comprehensive security assessment of the main campus and the J.J. Pickle Research Campus. UT’s Executive Compliance Committee evaluated the DPS’s findings and approved a long-term strategy that we have begun implementing to make our campus safer and more secure.
These efforts include:
Upgrades to campus lighting systems, pathways and security cameras.
Increased availability of nighttime transportation and emergency call boxes on and off campus.
Increased police presence on campus.
Improved collaboration between university and local police.
Community outreach and security awareness campaigns to reduce risk for students, faculty and staff.
The security and safety strategy, which we will continue to implement, can be read here.
Haruka Weiser will never be forgotten. Her memory is a bright light that will guide us for years to come. She will always inspire us. Haruka is a Longhorn forever.
Sincerely,
President Gregory L. Fenves