The tower stood illuminated green as it had since dusk, along with the MSU Union and Berkey Hall, while people gathered in their winter gear, flowers in hand.

“I think everyone has to do something different that's important for them, this is something that’s important to us,” PhD physics candidate Patrick Tutt said near the tower.

For many, the event provided a space to mourn together, hand in hand.

“Me and my friend were a part of the whole incident, and we do recall it sometimes,” said recent graduate Sai Morusupalli. “But it’s really important that we do remember, make sure we pay our tributes and come together.”

The base of the tower was surrounded by luminary displays — white paper bags containing a green light — which people had placed ahead of the ringing of the bells.

Students, staff, faculty and members of the community stood side by side, many with their heads down, as the bells tolled.

“I feel very comforted that I am around people who are still trying to remember those that we lost,” data science senior Anushil Jah said.

As the bells were rung, Jah said, he wanted to keep in mind the families of the students whose lives were lost, adding that he knows the day is much harder for them.

Abigail Beck, a recent graduate who studied human biology, emphasized how important community is in moments like these.

“It’s just always remembering the students that we lost and that were injured in this event,” Beck said.

Even for students who weren't yet on campus on the night of the shooting, the tribute generated an immense impact.

“By constantly having events talking about what happened, we bond over what we lost, and hopefully grow stronger,” said computer science engineering senior Alika Sharma, who enrolled at MSU after the shooting.

After the bells rung for the final time, the crowd stood silent for minutes. Some prayed, some held onto their neighbor, but all were together as one community.