DETROIT — A crowded audience at the home going service for Arielle Anderson, 19, one of the shooting victims in last week’s mass shooting at Michigan State University.
A gunman shot several students on campus, Monday, February 13th, killing three and wounding five.
The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Dr. Teresa Woodruff, President of Michigan State University, and others at Zion Hope Baptist Church in Detroit.
“As a student, Arielle is top notch,” said Dr. Roy Bishop Jr., Deputy Superintendent of Grosse Pointe Public School System, as he recounted the stories shared by teachers and staff whom encountered Anderson as former student. “She was a hard worker, dedicated, talented, and driven.
Anderson is described as a role model, thoughtful, and perfect according to the reading of her obituary.
Arielle is also described as having loved to spend time with family, enjoyed photography, and shared her world with others on Youtube. Her artistry has received several awards, including a feature at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the College for Creative studies.
She attended the Detroit Public Schools district from elementary until sixth grade and later the Grosse Pointe School System for middle and high school.
She was a Sophomore at MSU studying to become a surgeon and was on track to graduate a year earlier.
MSU honored her life and hard work by announcing the school would grant Anderson with a degree.
“I know you sent your baby to college for a degree, for an education,” Vassar said to Anderson’s parents while speaking at the podium. “Black women are the most educated subgroup in the United States. She now joins that sisterhood.”
The tragic news also brought up the discussion of state legislation needed to address mental illness and gun reform. “We are here because Arielle made a difference,” said Brian Banks, former State of Michigan Representative. “We have a Democratic Governor who stands ready to sign into law anything that makes sense and addresses our situation,” Banks said. “We demand change, we demand action. Because too many of our young people are dying at the hands of gun violence and mental health is at the root of that.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also shared remarks, recounting the stories she’s heard of the “beautiful young soul” Arielle brought to the world and promising her administration will take action as a result of this tragedy.
“While her life was cut short in the cruelest of ways, her impact is undeniable,” said Gov. Whitmer.
“The actions that we take in response to this will honor your daughter. Her life will not have been in vain.”
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