In Provo, Utah, Utah Valley University (UVU) plans to close its campus for a day to commemorate the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred a year ago in the campus courtyard. The university’s new president, Dr. Jon Anderson, has expressed his commitment to promoting free speech in higher education. He revealed that his daughters were present at the scene of Kirk’s assassination, which has tied his future to the event.
Dr. Anderson, who became UVU’s president before the 2026 fall semester, was previously the president of Pennsylvania Western University when Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025. He was in Pennsylvania when his wife informed him of the incident.
I had two daughters and a son-in-law, they were about 10 yards from the assassination when it happened,Anderson said.And so I knew that our future would be tied to it in one way or the other.
Reflecting on the impact of the event, Anderson emphasized the resilience of UVU’s community. He noted their readiness to heal and move forward. With the first anniversary of the assassination approaching, Anderson announced the campus closure on September 10, acknowledging the various ways students and faculty are coping with the loss.
Although UVU will not host an official event, the organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), founded by Kirk, will hold a memorial. This gathering will take place at UVU’s UCCU Center at 6:30 p.m. MT on September 10. Anderson supports this initiative, recognizing the importance of allowing individuals to process the event in their own ways.
As discussions continue regarding a potential permanent memorial, Anderson mentioned that a group of board members and students is working on proposals. He assured that any memorial would be thoughtfully planned and placed, drawing on experiences from other institutions.
UVU maintains a politically neutral stance while emphasizing the importance of hosting diverse debates. Anderson explained that the university aims to be a venue for civil dialogue and open discussion, without taking political sides.
Regarding the legal proceedings, Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 23, when a trial date may be set. Robinson faces a possible death penalty for aggravated murder.
Charlie Kirk, 31, left behind a wife and two children. His influence and commitment to conservative values remain significant, as he continues to inspire many within and beyond UVU.