��ϲ�� in Focus: Memorial for Lt. Col. Shah at Dominion Rock

Dominion Rock, located between Kaufman Engineering Hall and the Engineering Systems Building, has been turned into a memorial in honor of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07).

March 25, 2026

As students returned to campus after Spring Break this week, they have been greeted by messages of Monarch Strong, counselors and therapy dogs. On March 23 and 24, Dominion Rock was turned into a memorial to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. '07), who courageously defended his students on March 12. Students surrounded the rock with American flags, while also placing painted handprints and written personalized messages on the rock's surface. Photos Chuck Thomas and Michael DiBari/��ϲ��

Dominion Rock, located between the Engineering Systems Building and the future Biological Sciences Building, has been turned into a student-led memorial honoring Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. '07). Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

In addition to handprints, students write messages of condolences and support for Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07) onto Dominion Rock as they return from Spring Break. Photo Michael DiBari/��ϲ��

Students place handprints on Dominion Rock on March 23 and March 24 to honor and pay respect to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07). Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

Students also place American flags around Dominion Rock as they pay tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07). Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

An ��ϲ�� student writes a tribute message to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07) on Dominion Rock. Photo Michael DiBari/��ϲ��

A message on Dominion Rock shares one of Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah's (B.S. ’07) most common phrases to his cadets: "Be Bold. Be Quick. Be Gone." Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

Students return to campus after Spring Break and pay tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07) with painted handprints and messages of condolences on Dominion Rock. Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

Observers reflect and mourn Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) as Dominion Rock is converted into an on-campus memorial. Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

An ��ϲ�� student places an American flag on the ground near Dominion Rock, paying tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07). Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

Licensed counselors, volunteers and therapy dogs are on hand to support students, faculty and staff as they return to campus following Spring Break. Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

Throughout campus, people, and even the 25 therapy dogs, could be seen showing their resiliency and support for one another by wearing blue Monarch Strong ribbons. Photo Chuck Thomas/��ϲ��

In addition to handprints, students write messages of condolences and support for Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) onto Dominion Rock as they return from Spring Break.

Students place handprints on Dominion Rock on March 23 and March 24 to honor and pay respect to Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07).

Students also place American flags around Dominion Rock as they pay tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) on Monday and Tuesday.

An ��ϲ�� student writes a tribute message to Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) on Dominion Rock.

Students return to campus after Spring Break and pay tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) with painted handprints and messages of condolences on Dominion Rock.

Observers reflect and mourn Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07) as Dominion Rock is converted into an on-campus memorial.

An ��ϲ�� student places an American flag on the ground near Dominion Rock, paying tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (B.S. ’07).

Licensed counselors and therapy dogs are on hand for students as they return to campus following Spring Break.

Blue ribbons throughout campus demonstrate Monarch Strong as students return to campus from Spring Break.