AARP Michigan Statement on the Mass Shooting on the Campus of Michigan State University

Statement from Paula D. Cunningham, AARP Michigan State Director

Our hearts and prayers are with our MSU Family and the entire community as we all navigate through this time of grief, despair and disbelief. Knowing this is the 67th mass shooting to take place in 2023 is sobering but should not be dismissive of the pain, fear and heartache that has taken place.

As an alumni and a grandmother of a current MSU student, watching this story unfold pierced my heart. AARP Michigan has MSU interns who work in our office, we have MSU students who frequently visit our homes, and many members of our team have children and family members who attend this great university. It is unfortunate that hiding and sheltering in place have necessarily been integrated into the teaching and learning experience. Our nation and our community are better than this and I am confident that if we resolve to work together we can find solutions that would help reduce these types of tragedies. Our prayers are powerful but when we get off our knees and put legs on our prayers change occurs. Now is the time for change.

Paula D. Cunningham
AARP Michigan State Director