MOSCOW — The Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial on the University of Idaho campus is set to open. The dedication and opening ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21, according to a press release sent out by the University of Idaho.   

Students from the College of Art and Architecture designed and built the garden as a place of healing and reflection and to honor the memories of all Vandals who have died while enrolled at the university. A memorial sculpture within the garden will specifically memorialize Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen, who were murdered in November 2022.  

“The garden is an incredible reflection of our students and how much they have cared about this project,” Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said. “It is a legacy that will outlast any of our time here. This student-led project shows the dedication, care and resilience of our student body. It truly showcases what it means to be a Vandal and honors our lost Vandals in a beautiful manner.”  

The garden is on MacLean Field, between the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Building and the Physical Education Building. The dedication is open to the public. No access will be allowed within the memorial structure after 3:30 p.m., through the end of the dedication.   

    Students from the College of Art and Architecture worked all summer to construct the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial, which was also designed by students. Photo courtesy of University of Idaho