CHAPEL HILL-- "I hope that you continue to stay in touch,” said Dr. Suzanne Barakat, the sister of murder victim Deah Barakat to the UNC community.
Suzanne Barakat says the last year has been a difficult one.
But engaging with the UNC community, where her brother attended, has helped both families in the healing process.
"We very much want to hear how you all are doing and we want to see the shining starts that you will be in your future career's and we're all so very proud of you and our UNC family,” said Barakat.
Authorities say Deah, his wife Yusor Abu-Salha and her sister Razan Abu-Salha were killed by a neighbor at their condominium just outside UNC's campus last February.
But Wednesday's event, although somber in tone, celebrated the life and accomplishments of three students who in their short time on earth, inspired so many.
"We celebrate philanthropy that will live forever. A legacy that will live in perpetuity. We celebrate that evil does not live among us. It stays behind bars,” said the father of Yusor and Razan, Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha.
After a moment of silence, the Dean of the School of Dentistry unveiled two shadowboxes, containing lab coats, honoring Deah and his wife Yusor, who planned to begin her dental studies at UNC.
Current school students say they're striving to keep a legacy of kindness and service alive.
"Deah's main goal was to bring people together. To donate funds, to donate time, to donate smiles to people. And he really showed that and delivered the message to us that it's not hard to do,” said UNC dental student Zack Carnevale.
"I hope that they know that we miss him everyday and we still love him very much,” said UNC dental student Brian Swift.
While many suspected the shooting was a hate crime, so far authorities say there’s no indication it was.
Craig Stephen Hicks is charged with three counts of first degree murder and awaits trial.
Hicks could face the death penalty.