Utah Valley University has announced the formation of a special committee to oversee the creation of a memorial for Charlie Kirk. The conservative commentator was assassinated on the university's campus on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event.
The university confirmed the development on Monday, September 22, stating that the UVU Memorial Committee will guide the process. The group will be responsible for gathering community feedback to determine the nature and design of the tribute.
Key Takeaways
- Utah Valley University is establishing a committee to plan a memorial for Charlie Kirk.
- The committee will be co-chaired by leaders from the UVU Board of Trustees and the Utah Board of Higher Education.
- Community input from students, faculty, and public figures will be central to the planning process.
- The announcement follows a large memorial service in Arizona attended by over 70,000 people.
Committee Formation and Leadership
Utah Valley University is taking formal steps to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. In a statement released nearly two weeks after the fatal shooting, the institution detailed its plan to create a memorial on its Orem campus.
To lead this effort, the university has established the UVU Memorial Committee. The group will operate under a dual leadership structure, ensuring representation from both the university and the state's higher education system.
Scott M. Smith, who serves as the chair of the UVU Board of Trustees, will act as a co-chair. He will be joined by Amanda Covington, the chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education. According to the university, this structure is designed to reflect the significance of the event for both the local campus and the broader state community.
A Focus on Community Input
The university emphasized that the committee's primary role is to facilitate a community-driven process. The official announcement noted that the group will "include students and political leaders among other key stakeholders."
This approach aims to incorporate a wide range of perspectives into the final design. The university has already received a significant volume of feedback regarding a potential memorial.
"We will listen to community voices and carefully consider the many perspectives surrounding this memorial," the university's statement read, highlighting its commitment to an inclusive planning phase.
Background of the Incident
The move to create a memorial comes after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025. He was on campus for his 'American Comeback Tour,' an event sponsored by his organization, Turning Point USA. Authorities have identified Tyler Robinson as the suspected gunman in the incident. The event has prompted widespread discussions about security and political discourse on college campuses.
Gathering Public Suggestions
Since the incident, Utah Valley University has been the recipient of numerous ideas and suggestions for a memorial. The institution reported an "outpouring of support" from a diverse cross-section of the public.
Contributions have come from students, faculty, and staff at UVU, as well as members of the local community. The university also noted that it has received input from both local and national business leaders and various elected officials.
The committee's first task will be to organize and review these suggestions. The university's goal is to ensure "that community input guides the memorial's direction," preventing a top-down decision-making process. The specific timeline for the committee's work and the final memorial has not yet been announced.
Turning Point USA Leadership Transition
Following her husband's death, Erika Kirk was elected as the new CEO of Turning Point USA. The organization's board made the decision last week, ensuring a continuation of its mission under family leadership. Erika Kirk has been a prominent figure in the organization for several years.
National Response and Memorial Service
The on-campus shooting has drawn significant national attention, culminating in a large-scale memorial event for Kirk in Glendale, Arizona. The service was held on Sunday, September 21, at the State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
Reports from the event indicated that the crowd size surpassed the stadium's official capacity of approximately 70,000 people. The massive turnout underscored Kirk's influence within conservative political circles.
Prominent Figures Pay Tribute
The memorial service featured speeches from numerous high-profile political figures. Among those who addressed the crowd were former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, both of whom shared personal messages about Kirk and his work.
Other notable attendees who came to pay their respects included:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Senator Marco Rubio
- Political commentator Pete Hegseth
- Former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard
Erika Kirk also delivered what was described as a powerful speech at the event, just days after assuming her new role as CEO of Turning Point USA. Her address focused on her husband's legacy and the future of the movement he founded.
As Utah Valley University begins the process of creating a permanent memorial, it navigates the complex task of honoring a public figure while managing the diverse opinions of its campus community and stakeholders. The work of the newly formed committee will be closely watched by observers across the country.
