(December 17, 2012)

Dear Members of the ETSU Community,

In the midst of celebrating commencement and the end of the fall semester, the ETSU campus was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the horrific event that took place last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut.

Throughout this past weekend, details of what occurred that tragic morning have emerged. We have heard the names and seen the innocent faces of those that were lost. We have learned about the brave men and women – some who survived and others who did not – whose heroic actions helped save the lives of countless others.

This senseless act of violence stops us in our tracks as we struggle to comprehend the unimaginable pain those loved ones are experiencing. It is during moments like these that we look at the people, particularly the children, who surround our own lives, and we realize how immensely blessed we are by their presence.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ family members and friends, as well as the entire Newtown community. May they be embraced by love and healing during this time of mourning and as the recovery process begins.

Brian Noland
President