Dear Students,
I’m deeply saddened and troubled by the mass shooting that occurred today in Orlando, Florida. My heart goes out to the families and friends of all of those who have been affected by this senseless act of violence.
My leadership team and I also send our thoughts to the UO LGBTQIA+ community and we encourage you to seek support if you need it. If you are in Eugene and need someone to talk to, please contact the
University Counseling Center at 541-346-3227. If you have already left campus, I encourage you to seek support in your community.
Maya Angelou once said, we may encounter defeats but we must not remain defeated. As we watch the events in Orlando unfold, let us not be defeated by hate. As we watch and read about yet another mass shooting, let us not hold innocent people accountable for acts of an individual. And as we celebrate the academic achievements of this year’s graduating class at commencement tomorrow, let us pause to remember, take time to grieve, and commit to doing all we can to not remain defeated.
Sincerely,
Robin H. Holmes, PhD
Vice President for Student Life
