Recent Tragic Events

Dear Merrimack College Community,

The past few weeks have laid heavy on our hearts and minds. Unprovoked and senseless attacks have again stolen the lives of too many people simply going about their days.

Citizens in Ukraine, patrons in a Buffalo grocery store, parishioners at a church in Laguna Woods, California and now children and teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, are the latest victims of horrific acts of violence that we condemn in the strongest possible sense.

Hate and violence against one is hate and violence against all. Hatred cannot be allowed to define who we are as a society. All of us have a responsibility to uphold decency, tend to the suffering and call out wrongs perpetrated against others. Society only functions when we individually and collectively condemn violence and work to address its root causes.

Merrimack’s mission as a Catholic and Augustinian college demands that as we go about the work of enlightening minds, engaging hearts and empowering lives, we do so with attention to the inherent dignity of every human being. In that sense, ours is not only a task about committing to work towards social betterment and change. We also bear the responsibility of treating each other with respect, dignity and charity; of working person to person, neighbor to neighbor to bring light to places of darkness, to counter despair with the virtue of hope.

We also know the power of prayer. And that is where we hold these victims, their families and communities. Let us call upon God for wisdom as we work to process our sorrow and anger and confusion, as well as for support for the loved ones suffering unimaginable loss. As we grieve and cope as a campus community and a nation, we must trust the memories and spirits of these victims will live on in those who will miss them the most.

I would be remiss if I did not reiterate the College’s commitment to the safety of each and every person in our community and on our campus. We continue to work to expand our efforts and deepen our impact in areas of wellness, mental health, outreach and campus safety.

I encourage anyone who needs assistance processing these difficult events to please contact the Counseling Center (978.837.5444). And please know that the Merrimack College Police Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep our campus and community safe. They can be reached at 978.837.5555.

Be safe, be well and look out for each other.

God Bless.

Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.
President