Dear Members of the Saint Anselm College Community:
The shocking tragedy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University naturally makes us think of our own campus and the many lives in our care as we conduct the important work of higher education. I would like to assure students, parents and the entire college community that safety and security are a primary concern day-to-day in all facets of our campus life. We have trained and experienced campus safety officers and excellent mutual aid relationships with municipal law enforcement. We also have a crisis response and communication plan that is regularly updated.
Hospitality, as you know, is a Benedictine value that stems from the recognition of Christ in every individual. We will continue to reflect that value with our welcoming campus. At the same time, however, safety is a shared responsibility of every member of our campus community. I would like to remind everyone to act in a manner consistent with promoting safety and to be attentive to any members of our community that may be in need of help.
The community of Virginia Tech deserves our prayers at this unspeakably sad time—the victims, their families, and everyone else touched by this tragedy including the young man who caused it. While it is believed that this was a singular incident perpetrated by a lone student on the Blacksburg, Viriginia campus, the events have affected us all. Some of us have ties, direct or indirect, to victims or survivors of the shootings or members of the Virginia Tech community. Anyone who needs support through this difficult period can find counseling and other resources at Health Services and Campus Ministry.
Let us pray that God bring the comfort and consolation only He can give during this heart-breaking time.
With my prayers for all of you,
Father Jonathan, O.S.B.
President, Saint Anselm College