Dear Colleagues,

It was with great shock and sorrow that I learned of the tragic shootings on the Seattle Pacific University campus yesterday afternoon. The death or injury of any student is every university president’s worst nightmare realized. Our hearts go out to the entire Seattle Pacific University community, especially the families and friends of the students who were shot.

The SPU shootings also provide a grim reminder of what is increasingly possible at any higher education institution. The incident reinforces the need to be ever vigilant in preserving the safety of our campus community. We each play a role in creating a safe environment; please do not hesitate to contact the WSU Police, the Office of the Dean of Students or the WSU Violence Prevention Center about any situation or individual that causes you concern.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Sincerely,

Elson S. Floyd

President, Washington State University