University of Virginia and University of Idaho

November 14, 2022

Dear all,

It is with tremendous sadness and horror that I write today about the shootings on college campuses yesterday—the University of Virginia where three students were killed and two injured by another student and the University of Idaho where four students were killed in an apparent homicide.

On behalf of the College, let us extend our condolences to the families and friends of the students who were killed. Our hearts and minds are also with the people in the Vassar community who have ties to the areas that have been devastated by these events. The lives of the survivors are forever changed, and the affected campuses must be in profound grief.  

It is so hard to fathom this level of loss, and the violence leaves one speechless.  Still, let us use whatever energy and hope we can muster to care for one another, to resist the urge to give up, and to share kindness within and beyond our community.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. You can contact me, Dean Alamo, the Counseling Service, or Human Resources. We are here to help and support you, especially during this difficult moment in the semester. Please take care of yourself and each other.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar