Statement in Response to Indianapolis Shooting

April 16, 2021

Dear DePauw Faculty, Staff and Students,

We woke up this morning to news of yet another mass shooting, and one that has occurred close to home for all of us at the FedEx Ground Facility near the Indianapolis Airport. I am writing today because there may be those in our DePauw and Greencastle community who have family, friends and others they know who have been directly affected by this tragedy.  And even for those of us who don't have a direct personal connection, I know we share a range of emotions in response to the continuation of these senseless killings, from anger to sadness and even hopelessness.

Our hearts go out to the Hoosier nation, especially to those whose loved ones were lost or injured at the FedEx Ground Facility. In these times it is even more important that we reach out to one another to offer consolation and empathy and ask our friends and colleagues, "How are you really doing and how can I help"? I urge anyone in our community who feels deeply troubled or anxious to utilize the resources we have on campus, including Counseling Services and Spiritual Life for students and employee support resources for faculty and staff. Throughout the pandemic, we have done our best to take care of one another, and our Tigers Take Care mantra takes on even deeper significance in the face of such tragedy.

My heart was already heavy following the string of mass shootings this year, including in Atlanta, Boulder, Orange County, and Rock Hill. I find solace in being in our close-knit community of Tigers and I hope you do, also.

My deepest condolences to those who have been profoundly impacted.

Lori S. White
President