De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) stood together with the city in a powerful display of unity as staff, students and members of the local community gathered to reflect on the tragic death of a student.
The reflection event, held at 5pm yesterday (11 February), offered a quiet space for people to come together in support following the murder of second-year Cyber Security student Khaleed Oladipo last week.
As dusk fell over campus, more than 100 people observed a minute’s silence outside DMU’s Hawthorn Building. Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington addressed those present, reflecting on the events of the past week and emphasising the importance of compassion, solidarity, and collective strength.
Professor Normington spoke of Khaleed as a son, brother, uncle, boyfriend, and student, and reminded the community that while the healing process for his family will never be complete, the university must continue to support one another in the days and weeks ahead.
She said: “We will support you, and you will support one another. Together, we will regain that sense of confidence.
“The act of healing for Khaleed’s family will never be complete, and his loss will always be felt. For us here, this tragic event will also remain with us. Each of us will come to terms with it in our own way.
“Tonight marks the beginning of that process—by drawing strength from one another, as a university and as a city we are proud of.
“Together, we must continue to build a safer, more cohesive community for everyone.”
Throughout the event university leaders, emergency service representatives and, most powerfully, fellow students, shared readings and reflections, creating meaningful moments of connection between DMU and the local Leicester community.
The atmosphere was one of quiet unity, gentle conversation, shared tears, and collective determination to heal together. Attendees laid white roses in Khaleed’s memory and signed the book of condolence placed in DMU’s Trinity House.
Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, DMU Pro-Chancellor and alumnus, laid the first white rose, as a symbol of the community’s shared pledge for peace in the city. Other speakers and attendees followed, placing roses quietly and respectfully.
The reflective gathering concluded with closing remarks from Mike Kapur, he said: "We have stood together this evening as a university and as a city. We have listened. We have reflected. We have acknowledged grief. We have recognised courage.
“In moments such as this, what defines us is how we respond, with dignity, with compassion, and with a commitment to one another."
As the event came to an end, attendees slowly left campus in quiet reflection, united in purpose and committed to supporting one another.
Posted on Thursday 12 February 2026