Dear Campus Community,
We are devastated to find ourselves reaching out yet again to express our overwhelming grief at another incidence of senseless mass gun violence in our nation. The unimaginable loss of 19 children and two teachers yesterday in Uvalde, Texas, has brought out deep and painful feelings for many of our students, for those of us who are parents, and for all of us who seek justice and peace in our world.
United in our horror and grief, and acknowledging that today is the second anniversary of George Floyd’s killing, we affirm our call for a world that prioritizes an end to such violence. We stand in solidarity with individuals who are finding immediate ways to organize and act to prevent these issues from occurring again across the nation and the world.
Today, also, we are here to serve as resources to these communities and to all students, faculty, and staff who are hurting. There are many offices at SCU that can support you as you grapple with these events. Please reach out to the offices listed below if you need support or counseling.
In addition, we remind our campus that so much of our strength comes from our shared advocacy for the things we believe in—from bringing our talents to those who need them in immersion programs, to supporting our students in their journey to become people for others; to exercising cura personalis for one another. Even as we turn to one another for consolation and understanding, may we also take comfort knowing the work we do for justice—in whatever form it takes on our campus—will bring each of us closer to a more just and humane world.
To feel less alone, and to express our grief and support for one another at this difficult time, let us gather together for prayer and recollection this Sunday, May 29, on the steps of the Mission Church at 7:30 p.m. Let us pray for our communities and for an end to violence. This will be followed by Mass in the Church at 8 p.m., at which all are welcome.
Resources:
- Campus Ministry. Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4372 or 408-551-1930 and campusministry@scu.edu.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Located at Cowell Center, CAPS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is reachable at 408-554-4501. Crisis (drop-in) hours are available daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. **All students are reminded that a counselor from CAPS is available for after-hours crisis calls through Campus Safety Services at (408) 554-4441.
- The Office for Multicultural Learning. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or as requested at oml@scu.edu or 408-551-7152.
- Office of Student Life. The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4583.
- Residence Hall Support. Students who live on campus may reach out to their Resident Director, Faculty Director, or Spirituality Facilitators for support and assistance.
- Students can also contact Campus Safety Services for assistance reaching service providers, especially after hours, at 408-554-4441.
For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program is available from Human Resources at 408-554-4392.
- For parents, members of Santa Clara’s School of Education and Counseling Psychology recommend this resource for talking to children about violence.
- The Ignatian Solidarity Network offers resources for those who wish to take steps to end gun violence.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, through our actions of peace and consolation, let us express our shared commitment to end violence and to act to usher in a more just and humane world.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Kloppenberg
Acting President
Shá Duncan Smith
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Alison Benders
Vice President for Mission and Ministry