After nearly a year of restoration, Southern Connecticut State University’s Sandy Hook Memorial sculpture has returned to campus, restoring a powerful space for reflection, remembrance, and community healing.
The memorial, located within the SCSU Sandy Hook Alumnae Remembrance Garden, honors four Southern alumni—educators Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98; Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08; Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’92; and Victoria Leigh Soto, M.S.’13—who were killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
Removed in June 2025 after water damage was discovered, the sculpture underwent a 10-month restoration led by Dutch Wharf Boatyard & Marina in Branford. The team repaired cedar wood components, replaced damaged sections, restored the internal fiber-optic lighting, and applied protective finishes to preserve the piece for years to come.
“This belongs here,” said Eric Lessne, associate vice president for capital budgeting and facilities operations. “It’s an important part of our campus—it represents who we are.”
Originally unveiled in 2018, the memorial was designed by Southern alumna Carlene Barnes, ’13, as part of a campus-wide effort to honor the victims and create a lasting place for reflection. The circular wooden sculpture, surrounded by a ring of stone and set within a landscaped garden, symbolizes continuity, connection, and the enduring impact of the educators it commemorates.
The garden itself has become a meaningful gathering place for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Its thoughtful design—including a reflection bench, native plantings, and a circular layout—encourages quiet contemplation and collective remembrance.
Read the full story from New Haven Arts: After 10-Month Restoration, Sandy Hook Memorial Comes Home to SCSU
