Grand Valley State University is grieving and mourning for the Michigan State University community, following a campus shooting that left three people dead and five critically injured.
GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella released a statement Tuesday morning that the school is reaching out to MSU colleagues to offer whatever support or assistance that might be needed, saying there is “much support” is needed. GVSU Dean of Students Aaron Haight is taking the lead on offering assistance to MSU’s Student Affairs Department.
“Many in our own community are affected by last night’s horrific violence. This terror was inflicted upon our friends and loved ones, our sons and daughters, our sisters and brothers. We must not accept violence and terrorism on our campuses or in our communities,” Mantella said.
GVSU’s University Counseling Center stands ready to assist students who need support, and its employee assistance program provides 24/7 crisis services for faculty and staff. The GVSU community is encouraged to file a CARE referral if they know of a student in need of support.
Grand Valley Police Chief Brandon DeHaan is working with GVSU’s critical response team for its own preparedness plan, Mantella added she will do everything in her power to make Michigan’s campuses safe places for living and learning.
“Take care of yourselves and others. MSU is hurting and people all over our state are hurting. We must join together to comfort and to make changes to prevent this from every occurring again,” she said.
