UCF unveils mural of 2 Knights killed in Pulse nightclub shooting

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The University of Central Florida on Thursday paid tribute to a student and an alumnus who were killed in last year's shooting at Pulse nightclub by unveiling a mural outside the Student Union.

The mural features the likenesses of UCF student Juan Ramon Guerrero and two-time alumnus Christopher Andrew “Drew” Leinonen, who were among the 49 killed during the June 12, 2016, attack.

Artists Michael Pilato and Yuriy Karabash collaborated with the couple's families to paint the mural.

"For our students, it was really impactful because UCF stands for community," said Justin Andrade, the assistant director of student involvement. "Also because two of the victims at Pulse: one was an (alumnus) and one was a student at UCF."

Events were held later Thursday to honor all the victims in the shootings.

Students were invited to create artwork in the Student Union until 2 p.m. Thursday to honor the victims. Students wrote letters of encouragement and decorated candles, which will be lit in the evening.

"It shows a sense of community and unity," UCF student Ana Carr said. "And I think it is really nice."

The university will also host a blood drive until 8 p.m. Thursday. Click here for details.

"It is important for UCF to remember what happened at Pulse, because it certainly was an event that impacted the entire community, not just the LGBT-plus community," Andrade said.

Pulse owner Barbara Poma will help open an art and photography exhibit in the UCF Art Gallery at 4 p.m. Thursday.

A remembrance ceremony during which the names of the victims were read was held at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union's Pegasus Ballroom.

Millican Hall was illuminated with a rainbow of colors from Thursday through Monday, the school said.

Thursday's events are free and open to the public.

Cox Media Group