University of Nevada, Las Vegas Unveils Healing Garden to Honor December 6 Faculty Legacy

Why the Healing Garden Matters

After the tragic events of December 6, 2023, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has turned a painful memory into a living tribute. The new Healing Garden is more than a landscaped space; it is a place where the faculty legacy of Dr. Jerry Cha‑Jan Chang, Dr. Naoko Takemaru, and Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez can continue to inspire students, staff, and visitors. By integrating thoughtful design, cultural symbolism, and community involvement, the garden offers a tangible path toward healing and remembrance.

Remembering the December 6 Tragedy

The campus community gathered at the Moyer Amphitheater on December 6, 2025, to honor those lost and to celebrate the resilience of survivors and first responders. The ceremony highlighted the compassion that defined the three professors and the collective strength that emerged in the aftermath. The Healing Garden will serve as a permanent reminder of that day, ensuring that the lessons of courage and kindness are not forgotten.

The Legacy of Professors Chang, Takemaru, and Navarro Velez

Each of the professors left a distinct imprint on UNLV’s academic culture:

• Dr. Jerry Cha‑Jan Chang – Known for his dynamic teaching and mentorship, Chang inspired students to pursue careers in public health and community service.
• Dr. Naoko Takemaru – A pioneer in Japanese studies, Takemaru fostered cross‑cultural understanding and encouraged students to explore global perspectives.
• Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez – A first‑generation scholar, Navarro Velez championed diversity and equity, empowering underrepresented students to achieve their goals.

Their stories are woven into the garden’s design, ensuring that future generations can learn from their dedication.

Design and Symbolism of the Healing Garden

The Healing Garden’s layout was crafted through a collaborative process that included faculty, students, first responders, and the families of the victims. The result is a space that balances tranquility with symbolic meaning.

Plant Choices Reflecting Cultural Heritage

Four distinct trees represent each professor’s background and interests:

• Meyer Lemon Tree – Symbolizes Dr. Chang’s optimism and the bright future he envisioned for his students.
• Prairie Sumac – Reflects Dr. Takemaru’s connection to the natural landscapes of Japan and her commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Palo Verde – Represents Dr. Navarro Velez’s roots in the desert Southwest and her dedication to community resilience.
• Utah Juniper – Honors Dr. Daraboth “Bot” Rith, who survived the shooting and exemplifies hope and recovery.

At the center of the garden, a cedar elm stands as a tribute to the first responders who restored safety and provided comfort during the crisis.

The Cedar Elm Tribute to First Responders

The cedar elm’s expansive canopy offers shade and a sense of shelter, mirroring the protective role of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Its presence underscores the garden’s dual purpose: honoring the faculty legacy while celebrating the heroism that followed the tragedy.

How the Campus Community Can Participate

UNLV encourages students, faculty, alumni, and donors to engage with the Healing Garden in meaningful ways. Participation can take many forms, from volunteering to fundraising to educational outreach.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students and staff can join the garden’s maintenance crew, helping with planting, weeding, and seasonal care. Volunteers also assist during memorial events, ensuring the space remains a respectful and welcoming environment.

Fundraising and Donations

The garden’s construction is funded through a phased approach, with Phase I requiring an estimated $1.4 million. The UNLV Foundation’s fundraising campaign is open to all supporters. Donate now to help bring the Healing Garden to life and honor the faculty legacy.

Educational Programs Around the Garden

Faculty can incorporate the garden into curricula, using it as a living laboratory for courses in environmental science, cultural studies, and grief counseling. Student organizations may host reflection circles, poetry readings, or art installations that resonate with the garden’s themes.

Future Phases and Long‑Term Vision

The Healing Garden will evolve over three phases, each building on the previous to create a cohesive, accessible space that serves the entire campus community.

Phase I: Central Section

Phase I focuses on the central area, featuring the four symbolic trees, the cedar elm, and interpretive signage that tells the stories of the professors and first responders. This phase will also include a small pavilion for quiet contemplation.

Phase II & III: Integration and Accessibility

Phases II and III will expand the garden’s footprint, adding pathways that connect to the Baepler Xeric Garden and the Barrick Museum. These extensions will improve pedestrian flow and provide additional spaces for community gatherings.

Take Action Today

Whether you are a current student, an alumnus, or a community member, there are several ways to support the Healing Garden and keep the faculty legacy alive.

• Donate to the UNLV Healing Garden – Your contribution helps cover planting, maintenance, and educational programming.
• Explore the UNLV Strong website for updates on the garden’s progress and upcoming events.
• Volunteer your time by contacting the campus sustainability office or the Faculty Senate’s Memorial Committee.
• Share your story or memories in the comments below – your voice adds to the collective remembrance.
• Schedule a campus tour to see the Healing Garden in person and learn how you can get involved.

By taking these steps, you help transform a moment of loss into a lasting source of hope and inspiration for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas community.