UNC Chapel Hill dedicates memorial site to late professor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — It’s been two years since a shooting on campus claimed the life of a UNC-Chapel Hill professor.

Colleagues of associate professor Zijie Yan honored his life on the university’s campus with family, students and supporters on Thursday.

Dozens gathered to remember Yan, who worked in the applied physical sciences department.

Two years ago, Yan lost his life at the university’s Caudill Labs. That location will now serve as a permanent memorial site in his memory.

UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said this tragedy has taught the university lessons for the future regarding safety and community.

“The silver lining is the way in which our community has come together in the aftermath. And use this tragedy as a way to learn some lessons about how to prevent something similar happening in the future. And also to reinforce the bonds that the tie us together as a community,” Roberts said.

Friends took to the podium to say a few words about Yan’s character and love of science.

Some also paid their respects to the plaque and bench set up to honor the professor.  

Chair of the Department of Applied Physical Sciences Theo Dingemans said he loved having Yan in his department. He said he felt Yan’s passion for science and his students during every encounter they had.

“It’s the joy that he brought to the department. He was very quiet, but very observant, extremely smart. Really good with his students,” Dingemans said.

Two more benches will be created this semester. One for Yan’s family in Chapel Hill and one for his parents in China.