A-SCHOOL REMEMBERS DEVIN CHANDLER, LAVEL DAVIS JR., AND D'SEAN PERRY
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The University of Virginia continues to mourn the loss of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry, the three University of Virginia football players who were killed in a Nov. 13 shooting on Grounds. In the aftermath of the tragedy, students, faculty, and staff throughout the University have sought solace in community, and have found meaningful ways to pay tribute to the talented and beloved student-athletes. The emotional memorial at a packed John Paul Jones Arena on Nov. 19, and the myriad “UVA Strong” signs across Grounds, are just a few examples.
At the School of Architecture, some students channeled their grief by making physical memorials to Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean. “We are makers, and we knew we had to make,” said one of the students involved in the effort. “These memorials gave me something meaningful to do when work, life, and existence seemed meaningless.”
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In the span of a few short days, and with the help of staff in the Fab Lab, the student team delegated tasks and made quick design decisions to successfully fabricate the memorials in just enough time for the Nov. 19 ceremony. Inspired by artist Kehinde Wiley’s vibrant portrait of former President Barack Obama, the plywood memorials depict Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean in halftone illustration, framed by an abundance of fresh flowers mounted directly to the support boards. As crowds gathered outside of John Paul Jones Arena for the service, attendees could pay their respects to the young men by adding their bouquets to the memorials.
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Following Thanksgiving break, the memorials were placed on the North Terrace outside of Campbell Hall, where members of the A-School community came together for a moment of quiet reflection. Dean Malo A. Hutson asked those gathered to consider how the skills we teach and learn at the A-School can be leveraged to create more inclusive, supportive, and uplifting environments.
Teammates offered moving tributes to D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr. and Devin Chandler at the Nov. 19 memorial ceremony in John Paul Jones Arena. Photo: Matt Riley, UVA Athletics
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We thank the Memorial Team for providing our community a space to remember and celebrate the lives of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D'Sean Perry.
—Jacob Barton, BSArch '23
—O'Shen Burgess, BSArch '24
—Eric Guilfoyle, BSArch '23
—Liv Orlando, BSArch '24
—Andy Packwood, BSArch '25
—Lily Roberts, BUEP '23
—Tommy Ryan, BSArch '23
—Yianni Spears, BSArch '23
—Aliyah White, BSArch '23
—Melissa Goldman, Fabrication Lab Manager
—Trevor Kemp, Fabrication Facilities Assistant Manager
—Dick Smith, Facilities Manager
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