NIU will gather Monday for the third anniversary of the Feb. 14, 2008 shootings.

The presentation of the memorial wreaths will be held at 3 p.m. at the Forward, Together Forward Memorial Garden to honor those lost in the shootings and reflect upon the tragedy.

The community is invited to gather at 2:30 p.m. in the MLK Commons. A reception will follow in the Regency Room of the Holmes Student Center.

“I just really hope people will come out to support the families, the students impacted and the campus in general,” said Megan Gerken, assistant director for Programs and Support of the Office of Support and Advocacy.

On Feb. 14, 2008, gunman Steven Kazmierczak entered a Geology 104 class in Cole Hall, Room 101 and opened fire, killing five students and injuring 21 before killing himself. Those killed were Gayle Dubowski, Catalina Garcia, Julianna Gehant, Ryanne Mace and Daniel Parmenter.

In the past, NIU has hosted more events on the day of the anniversary. For the first anniversary of the shootings, NIU hosted 15 different events throughout the day. For the second anniversary, a presentation of memorial wreaths and a candlelight vigil was held.

Gerken said part of the decision why NIU is only hosting the presentation of the memorial wreaths this year was the weather as well as focusing their efforts to one event.

“They want to put the focus on the main event, which is the wreath ceremony and have more people go to that,” Gerken said.

This will also be the first year that the anniversary lands on a school day.

“I think they’re anticipating an increase in attendance because more students are on campus during the school week,” Gerken said.

Julie Garcia, junior pre-nursing major, is among the students who plan to attend Monday’s memorial event.

“I was here my freshman year when it happened, and it really had a big impact on my life,” Julie Garcia said. “I was close friends with [Catalina Garcia], one of the ones who passed away.”

Some students, however, aren’t able to attend.

Junior meteorology major Jackie Martini said she would like to go, but is unable to due to school commitments.

“I basically can’t go because I have a lot of tests and homework for that week,” Martini said.

Julie Garcia said even if some students don’t plan on going to the ceremony, they should at least wear red and black out of support.

“I think the whole student body should attend even if your were an incoming freshman last semester to show respect,” Julie Garcia said.