I write this letter to you, having recently completed a communication conveying The College of Wooster’s condolences to my colleague Charles Steger, President of Virginia Polytechnic Institute. I, like you, am deeply moved by the tragic loss of life and the stories of heroism and caring community on their campus. This tragedy is not theirs to shoulder alone. All of us who know and love academic communities that overflow with the energy and diversity of the pursuit of knowledge are affected. At times like this, we are reminded of how precious each life is and how essential and resilient our communities can be.

The impact will come at several levels. Some in our community will need to step up to support friends and family who were close to those who have died. I and other members of my senior staff will review our crisis management and security plans. It is incumbent on us as a nation to reflect on the dynamics in our national and academic cultures that contributed to this and too many other tragedies of this nature. I hope and trust that all of us, in our own ways, will take time to mourn and reflect on the many complex issues that these events bring to our consciousness.

We here at Wooster are fortunate to have the strength and resiliency of the Wooster community as a support in this process. I encourage you to share your responses, your thoughts, and your questions with one another. The divisions that can at times seem large pale in the face of life’s largest concerns. Please take the opportunity to consider the big questions that will rise naturally with other members of our community. Together, we have the resources and the wisdom that will ameliorate the conditions that created yesterday ’s tragedy.

Aware of the privilege that it is to be a member of this community, I remain sincerely yours,

R. Stanton Hales,
President