Dear University of Portland Community Members,
I write with deep sadness regarding missing first-year student Owen Klinger. Based upon conversations with a family representative and law enforcement, the University joins the Klinger family in their belief that Owen, their son and our community member, has died. An official statement from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming Owen’s death is forthcoming.
Owen’s family has requested privacy at this time.
There can be no greater sadness in the life of a university than the loss of one of its members. That sadness is felt now in our University of Portland community. Each member of the UP family contributes in their own way to the fabric of our community. When a member of that family is no longer with us, we are not whole as a community. Owen’s loss is keenly felt. Kind, generous, and loyal, he was a person who lived for others. He gave deeply of himself. He loved earnestly. Although his time on The Bluff was short, his impact on our University is deep and enduring.
Additional information will be shared with the University community at a later date. UP stands ready to support Owen’s family, as well as all students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time. Our Office of Campus Ministry, Health & Counseling Center, Office of Residence Life, and Office of Human Resources are available to provide community members with the support they need. Family members who have concerns about the wellbeing of their students are encouraged to contact the University's Care Team and/or the Office of Residence Life. Additionally, grief counseling will be made available to campus community members.
As Christians, and especially as a community guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, we have hope even in sorrow. We are reminded by Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Mass this evening will be offered in Corrado Hall (9:00 p.m.), Fields Hall (9:15 p.m.) and Christie Hall (10:15 p.m.). Additionally, our community will offer Mass for Owen tomorrow at 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher.
May we all pray for Owen’s eternal rest, for consolation for his family and friends, and for abiding hope within our UP community.
Sincerely,
