This unique outdoor space is part of the larger vision of the SCSU Reflection Garden — a first-of-its-kind physical expression of a university’s social justice principles, created through intentional design. 

While the Reflection Garden vision embodies the five core values identified by SCSU President Joe Bertolino and embraced by the university community, the Remembrance Garden shall be known as an Area of Compassion.

The focal point of the Remembrance Garden is the SCSU Alumnae Sandy Hook Memorial. 

This wooden sculpture honors four educators and graduates of Southern.

• Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98,
• Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08,
• Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’92,
• Victoria Leigh Soto, ’13,

They were exemplars for the children they taught and supported, and for the SCSU family of faculty, staff, students, graduates, and neighbors. These four alumnae were killed during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

The Remembrance Garden and the memorial were designed and created during a 14-month process that included open dialogues with students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community.  The memorial is the result of the conceptual design developed by Carlene Barnes, ’13, while she was an SCSU student, and was selected in a juried competition.

Dedicated in May 2018, the Remembrance Garden stands as an expression of philanthropic and community participation. Dr. Rita A. Landino, ’64, Emeritus of Counseling Services, provided significant philanthropic support for this garden area to make the SCSU Alumnae Sandy Hook Memorial a reality. Many others helped make this project possible through pro bono service, contribution of materials, philanthropic support, and participation in planning activities.

Step inside the space, sit, ponder, pay tribute to Southern’s four alumnae, think and talk about making the world a better place, starting here — or just let your mind wander. As Ms. Barnes intended through her design, physical spaces and art can inspire us and help bring us together. As you pass over the delta shaped stones, remember that positive change and support for others can begin with small steps.