On September 10, it has been a year since renowned conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University (UVU). The university observed a day of mourning by canceling classes in remembrance of Kirk, with the university president Jon Anderson expressing a commitment to uphold the tradition of free speech advocated by Kirk.
Jon Anderson, the president of Utah Valley University, told Fox News that when Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, he was serving as the president of Pennsylvania Western University (PWU). However, his family was in Utah at that time.
“In the moment of the shooting, my two daughters and one son-in-law were just about 10 yards away from the incident,” he said. “I know that our future is now tied to this event in some way.”
Kirk was a well-known conservative activist and podcast host. He co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at the age of 18, an organization aimed at promoting conservative perspectives on college campuses.
At the time of his death, Kirk was only 31 years old, leaving behind a wife and two children.
As the faculty, students, and staff at Utah Valley University commemorate Kirk in various ways, Anderson mentioned that the campus will be closed on September 10. Although there won’t be an official memorial event organized by the university, TPUSA plans to hold a commemoration ceremony on campus.
“TPUSA is utilizing some campus facilities for the commemoration event, and the university supports this,” Anderson said.
Before his tragic death, Kirk was giving a speech at an event hosted by the TPUSA Utah Valley University chapter. TPUSA plans to hold a memorial service at 6:30 pm on September 10 at the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University.
The university is in the process of preparing a permanent memorial facility. Anderson mentioned that a team consisting of board members and students is working on advancing this project. The team is listening to various opinions and discussing design proposals for the memorial facility.
Utah Valley University is a public university located in Orem, Utah. Anderson emphasized that the university maintains a “politically neutral and non-partisan” stance but believes that providing a space for diverse perspectives to be exchanged is crucial for the students’ benefit.
“We don’t interfere with debates but provide a platform for them,” he said. “We encourage civil conversations where people can discuss innovative and constructive viewpoints, which is an area we strive for excellence in.”
He added, “This is a place where anyone can engage in open, honest debates with their viewpoints without the threat of violence. This is our future and the best representation of what higher education institutions should be.”
The 23-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, accused of shooting Kirk, pleaded not guilty to all charges in a court hearing on September 1 through his lawyer. He is set to appear in court again on October 23, where the judge is expected to determine a trial date.
If the charge of “aggravated murder” against Robinson is proven, he may face the death penalty.