Drake mourns tragedy at Northern Illinois University

02/18/2008

The entire Drake University community was profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific tragedy at Northern Illinois University. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the Northern Illinois family in this time of terrible pain, and hope that the outpouring of grief and offers of assistance from campuses around the country provide some solace to those who have lost friends, colleagues and family members, and to those who were injured in this senseless attack.

Colleges and universities are, by definition, open and welcoming communities predicated on collegiality, freedom of expression, mutual respect and support, civility, and an abhorrence of violence. Those characteristics define who we are, as individuals and as a community, and they define the essence of our vital role in a democracy. At the same time, they can make us vulnerable to those who—perhaps driven by illness—commit acts of unspeakable violence.

It is in these moments that we must cherish all the more the things that define us, cherish each other for who we are and who we aspire to become, and recognize that the things that make us vulnerable are also our greatest strength. To the people of Northern Illinois University, please know that you are in our thoughts and our hearts, and that we stand ready to do whatever we can to ease your pain.