MOSCOW - The University of Idaho will dedicate a granite memorial bench to graduate student Katy Benoit at noon today, one day before the one-year anniversary of her death at the hands of her former professor.
The ceremony will take place on the lawn east of the Administration Building. In a statement, the university said it has been working closely with Benoit's family "to ensure their daughter's memory is honored and continues to serve as a catalyst for work being done to strengthen and enhance campus safety initiatives and programs."
Benoit's family sued the UI for $3 million over her death, but reached an out-of-court settlement for $375,000. The family donated the money to a memorial fund to benefit several charities.
Ernesto Bustamante shot Benoit outside her off-campus residence on the second day of classes last year, then killed himself a short time later. Bustamante, who suffered from severe mental illness, had a tumultuous and violent relationship with Benoit that ultimately led to his forced resignation.
The bench honoring Benoit is located under a canopy of trees and is engraved with the words "In memory of Katy's journey, her care for others, her willingness to speak up, and her courage to make a difference," according to the university.
The UI also announced plans for the Katy Benoit Safety Forum from Sept. 19-27. The forum aims to raise the campus community's awareness of high-risk behaviors and provide practical intervention strategies.
