Nov. 9, 2018
Dear Campus Community:
The events that have transpired over the past 24 hours have been tragic and genuinely unfathomable. I write to you this morning knowing that we are all emotionally exhausted from the horrific act of violence at the Borderline Bar & Grill, the Hill Fire emergency evacuation of our campus and, for many of us, our homes.
While I am forever grateful for the excellent work of our first responders who have kept our campus safe overnight, I am still extremely saddened by the absolute devastation and the 12 lives that were taken so abruptly.
For many of us, these events are all too familiar as we remember multiple tragic mass shootings over the past year and the Thomas Fire that occurred almost one year ago. As we cope with the grief and shock of recent events, I am confident that we will remain strong as one community with shared values, grit and perseverance.
We will each process through these events differently and I encourage you to reach out for support. For students, you may seek assistance from our Counseling and Psychological Services. Our faculty and staff can seek support from our Employee Assistance Program.
As we move forward, I ask that we keep the victims and their loved ones in our thoughts and offer support to our family, friends and each other.
While the fire is not out yet and we remain under evacuation, campus is standing strong as I know all of us will.
Sincerely,
Erika D. Beck, Ph.D.
President