UNC Charlotte shooting survivor plans to walk across the stage in upcoming graduation
It’s been just a few days since a shooting took place on UNC Charlotte’s campus, leaving two dead and four students injured. But already, the school is working to return to “regular operations” — and that’s including survivors Emily Houpt.
The 23-year-old, who remained hospitalized as of Thursday following Tuesday’s attack, is planning to walk across the stage to receive her diploma during a graduation ceremony on May 11. According to a UNCC spokesperson, she will take part in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony, where she will receive her degree in international studies.
The spokesman tells Yahoo Lifestyle that they don’t have any more information at the moment. However, the university’s chancellor, Phillip Dubois, told The Charlotte Observer that the student and her family will have special arrangements in the on-campus arena.
Dubois also held a press conference where he talked about visiting Houpt and the other three victims in the hospital.
“They were all quite alert. I would say in a positive spirit,” he said. “Their families were clearly shaken. But they were surrounded by many, many friends.”
As for Houpt, Dubois shared, “We’re delighted she’ll be able to go across the stage.”
Emily’s mom, Ellen Gammill Houpt, posted her own short statement to Facebook, sharing that Emily is expected to make a full physical recovery within the next couple of weeks.
“I am so very angry right now and I’m sure as I process the events of this day and it all begins to sink in, I will have more to say about this senseless tragedy!” she wrote.
Houpt recently worked as a spring intern for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, where she was able to expand on her knowledge and passion of international affairs and human rights.
“My goal is to find a position with an organization that seeks to protect human rights in any way, be it through advocacy or service,” she wrote on her LinkedIn.
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