The Stephens College community is grappling with profound grief after the tragic passing of 22-year-old Aiyanna Williams, a senior nursing student remembered for her kindness, determination, and radiant presence.
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Aiyanna’s promising journey came to a devastating end after she was critically injured in a downtown shooting on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Despite receiving urgent medical care, she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The incident, which also left three others critically hurt, has left the campus and broader community shaken.
Beyond her academic excellence, Aiyanna was known for her compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to helping others. She was the recipient of the esteemed Muriel Battle Scholarship, which fully funded her education at Stephens College. A proud graduate of Battle High School, she also shone as a dancer, receiving support from the Day Dreams Foundation to pursue her passion.
Friends and faculty recall her as a gifted student whose dreams of becoming a nurse reflected her deep care for others. Her choice to be an organ donor was a final, selfless gift — ensuring her legacy of service and generosity endures even in her passing.
Stephens College President Shannon B. Lundeen described her as “a shining Stephens woman whose kindness, drive, and joy inspired everyone who knew her.”
As tributes pour in, Aiyanna is being remembered not only as a scholar and athlete but also as a source of light who touched countless lives. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.