Mana Azizsoltani oral history interview, 2024 July 11

Oral history interview with Mana Azizsoltani conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on July 11, 2024 for the UNLV Remembers: an Oral History of the 6 December 2023 Shootings project. In this interview, Azizsoltani describes “growing up” Beam Hall (BEH) where both his parents worked, even learning to walk in the hallways of the building. He is currently a PhD student working in the Insurance Risk Management Program. On December 6, 2023, he was in his office in BEH with his window open as alarms began to sound throughout campus. He and his mentor, supervisor, and dissertation advisor hunkered down in his office and barricaded the door. They did not respond when someone tried to enter but shortly, the police evacuated them. Azizsoltami checked on colleagues and drove immediately to his mother's location. Azizsoltani describes he is healing through nontraditional, multi-pronged approaches. The weekend following the shooting, he invited friends, family, and colleagues to his home for an open house that lasted through the day: simply people showing love and being grateful; celebrating life. Secondly, he purchased a gun and is learning to use it and care for it in a responsible fashion. Digital audio and transcript available.