Salem State Establishes Scholarship In Name Of Murder Victim

SALEM, MA -- Salem State University said Wednesday it was establishing a scholarship to honor Christopher Joyce, the student who was murdered May 4, just weeks before his graduation from the school. The scholarship will benefit first-generation college students like Joyce, who would have been the first in his family to receive a college degree.

"This scholarship will benefit first generation students just like Chris, ensuring his legacy in perpetuity at Salem State, a fitting tribute to his generous and determined spirit,” Salem State John Keenan said.

In a news release, Salem State said Joyce, 23, had a concentration in accounting and was active on campus as a member of the Brotherhood program, which is a student success initiative that seeks to find ways of supporting, nurturing, and bolstering persistence and academic performance among Black/ Latino self-identified male students at Salem State University. He could often be found on campus participating in intramural games at the university’s Gassett Fitness Center and studying between classes.

On May 12, Boston Police arrested Wilvin Guity, 28, of Dorchester, and charged him with the murders of Joyce and Clayborn Blair. Police have said Joyce and Blair were "innocent bystanders" in the gang-related shooting.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).