University President Leahy pens open letter to BC Community

April 17, 2007

Dear Boston College Students and Members of the BC Community:

In our effort to cope with the horrific tragedy that occurred Monday at Virginia Tech, I ask you to join me in offering our prayers for the victims, their families and the entire Virginia Tech community.

This massacre is an unthinkable act. Yet with our faith in God, we know that Virginia Tech and all Americans will get through this senseless tragedy.

I have asked campus administrators to respond to the needs of the BC community in the following ways:

Campus Ministry will sponsor an ecumenical prayer service today at 12:15 p.m. in the Heights Room in Corcoran Commons.

Mass will be offered in memory of the victims at 5 p.m. in St. Mary's Chapel.

UGBC will sponsor a candlelight vigil in St. Ignatius Church this evening at 7 p.m. This vigil will take place simultaneously at all other Atlantic Coast Conference institutions.

Counselors from University Counseling Services will be available to students today and throughout the entire week. They can be reached at ext.2-3310.

Please reach out to campus ministers at ext.2-3475, members of the Jesuit community, faculty and administrators if needed. You too remain in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J.,
President