Mount Mercy College Prays for Northern
Illinois University Community in Wake of Shooting
CEDAR
RAPIDS, Iowa (February 15, 2008) – Mount Mercy College President
Christopher Blake today issued the following statement to campus
faculty, staff and students in the wake of the tragedy at Northern
Illinois University:
“As
you will know by now, there has been another horrific tragedy
involving a gunman at a college campus. Reports are that at least
seven students at Northern Illinois University have been killed
by a gunman who stormed a classroom and opened fire on more than
150 people. I ask you today to find time to pray for the souls
of the dead and for God’s peace and comfort to begin His
healing with the families who have lost loved ones.
“This
most recent tragedy comes a few months before the world would
solemnly commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating
shooting at Virginia Tech and honor the lives of the 31 students,
faculty and staff who were brutally gunned down there on April
16, 2007. We remember them during this tragedy as well, and hope
and pray that Northern Illinois University will unite just as
the Hokies were able to do so in Virginia. Our thoughts are with
both campus communities today and in the weeks and months ahead.
“It
is the cruelest of ironies that in a place such as a university
setting, where all are free and encouraged to openly express their
ideas and viewpoints, that some among us resort to violence. In
a world of increasing violence, Mount Mercy’s motto which
translates to ‘learn to love peace and truth,’ has
never been more timely.
“Mount
Mercy College is in the final stages of completing its disaster
and emergency plan, which includes responses to incidents of violence.
Our active office of public safety has officers on duty 24 hours
a day, and the College recognizes that we must do all we can to
maintain a campus free from violence and one that remains open
to the free exploration of ideas. We must always be prepared for
tragedy and pray and work to prevent it from unfolding in our
lives and in our communities.
“I ask
you today to be mindful of our collective needs, vulnerabilities
and connections and to pray for colleges throughout the country,
and especially for Northern Illinois University.”
Located
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Mount Mercy College is a Catholic College
providing student-focused baccalaureate education in the spirit
of the Sisters of Mercy.
Contacts:
Stacey Jones, Assistant Director of Marketing
(319) 368-6475, sjones@mtmercy.edu
Molly Altorfer, Director of Communications and Marketing
(319) 368-6475, maltorfer@mtmercy.edu
