We had a very moving memorial service last night with approximately 13,500 faculty, staff, and students as well as a live webcast! The healing process begins! http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19325722 http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=666378&category=&BCCode=&newsdate=2/24/2008 I so appreciate the support each of you provided me during this senseless tragedy! Many Thanks!

Posted by: Brian Hemphill, Vice President for Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University on February 27, 2008 at 10:49 AM

Colleagues, VPSA at University of Illinois-Chicago, Barbara Henley, has continued to keep me updated on the status of the situation at NIU. She has traveled to the campus and is there to support Brian Hemphill, VP. She says that the campus is quiet now since most of the students have left. Brian is still as sharp as ever with no sleep. She is giving “care to the care-giver” by being there to make sure he takes time to do basic things like eating. The campus is crawling with the press, as one would understand. Barbara will be working with Brian to determine campus needs when students return. Brian’s colleagues are standing ready to assist since all of us know that such a tragedy could occur anywhere, and it is during such times that we need our friends and colleagues.

Posted by: Gwen Dungy, Executive Director, NASPA on February 15, 2008 at 2:29 PM

Our students will be wearing red lapel ribbons to show their solidarity with the NIU students and community. NIU colors are red and black.

Posted by: Barbara Henley, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago on February 15, 2008 at 11:08 AM

As I wrote to Brian late last night, all of us who serve in this wonderful profession know that we are there for each other during dark hours like these - whether in person or in thoughts and prayers. It is during times like these that we come together in support of our colleagues who are in the midst of the most difficult challenges - and to all of you at NIU, know that we're here, we care, and we share deeply the pain you are feeling. Thanks to all of you, as well as other faculty and staff at NIU, for the extraordinary work that you are doing for your students and their families. Cherry Callahan

Posted by: Cherry Callahan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UNC Greensboro on February 15, 2008 at 8:58 AM

This is a tragic day for our community. I appreciate your kind words and support. Please keep our faculty, staff, students and families in your prayers.

Posted by: Brian Hemphill, Vice President for Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University on February 15, 2008 at 8:26 AM