NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion University in Norfolk has unveiled a permanent memorial honoring Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the Army ROTC leader who died protecting his cadets when a gunman targeted their classroom in Constant Hall on campus on March 12, 2026.
Shah's widow, Katherine Shah, said the university was part of her husband's story — and now he will be part of ODU's story forever.
"Integrity mattered, service mattered, supporting one another mattered, taking care of people mattered and leadership was never just the rank on your chest, leadership is about what you were," Katherine Shah said.
Shah moved toward danger during the shooting, shielding his cadets from the gunman.
"He moved towards danger, he protected his cadets, he put his people before himself in the most unimaginable circumstances. Lt. Col. Shah did his job and he did it well. As his wife there's always a part of me that wishes he never had to," Katherine Shah said.
Alongside university leadership, Katherine helped unveil a 7-foot-tall solid granite statue that represents his strength and massive impact on the community.
According to the University, the fractured top symbolizes an unfinished life taken too soon while forming the shape of the Commonwealth of Virginia with an engraved ODU crown marking Norfolk. An eye-level bronze U.S. Army seal honors his decades of service and the continued service of the Monarch Battalion Cadets.
A Tribute Bench beside the memorial honors the MS4 Cadet Class of 2026. These students were in the classroom on March 12 and are recognized for their courage and bravery under unimaginable circumstances. These cadets jumped into action and killed the shooter, preventing further tragedy on campus.
Former Monarch Battalion Cadet Cecilia Fosso reflected on Shah's lasting impact.
"I only had two years with him, but I learned that impact isn't necessarily measured by time, instead it's measured by what remains after that time has gone," Fosso said.
The Army ROTC annex in Rollins Hall has also been renamed the Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah Wing.
Just beyond it, beside the football field and underneath the scoreboard, is "Shah's Corner." This is where the cannon is fired at the Football Games and Lt. Col. Shah was instrumental in bringing the canon to campus.
For the season kickoff game, ODU's football team will wear a commemorative camouflage jersey bearing his name. Jerseys were presented to Katherine and their son, Lucas. ODU announced the clothing will be sold at the game, and the proceeds will benefit the Shah family.
The foundation’s goals include scholarships and educational opportunities, leadership developments, supporting ROTC and JRTOC programs, serving students beyond the classroom, honoring military service and sacrifice, supporting Gold Star families, and creating a culture of safety and leadership.
Brandon Shah was an ODU graduate from the Class of 2007 who served as an Army ROTC instructor at the university beginning in 2022.
"I'm so proud of what he was able to accomplish while he was here, but that's just the start. We're going to continue with his foundation helping everybody: organizations, communities ROTC students, military family, my family, that's what my goal is," Katherine Shah said.
Community donations will fund the scholarship.
"I'm so happy I know that this foundation is going to help so many people," Katherine Shah said.
The University Medallion for Public Service was also presented to Katherine Shah. She is only the second recipient of this distinct honor - first was Bruce Bradley at the ODU's Commencement Ceremonies in December 2025.
Facebook 
TikTok 
YouTube
Instagram
Threads
XThis story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, click here.
