University News
WIU President Guiyou Huang: Remembering Lives Lost in Highland Park
July 5, 2022
Dear Western Illinois University Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I write another letter to our University community to remember more lives lost to gun violence. Yesterday, during a fourth of July celebration in Highland Park, approximately four hours north of Macomb, seven people were murdered and at least 40 others were injured as a gunman, from a roof of a building, shot parade-goers and participants, according to news reports.
We have 127 students, along with nearly 500 alumni and friends, who call the Lake County, Illinois area home. Our thoughts are with them and their families, friends, and loved ones, and that they are unharmed and safe. Our thoughts remain with the families of those who lost a loved one and to those who were injured. As with the Buffalo and Uvalde shootings, this most recent act of gun violence is beyond comprehension. These horrific scenes appear to be becoming commonplace, and they affect each and every one of us, even if it may take time for us to realize the impact.
We continue to endeavor to maintain safe campuses; however, we need your help in doing so. If you see or hear anything that could suggest an act of violence, please contact the Office of Public Safety immediately at (309) 298-1949, or by dialing 9-1-1. Students who need mental health assistance can contact the University Counseling Center at (309) 298-2453. Employees seeking assistance can contact the Employee Assistance Program at (866) 659-3848.
Join us in remembering the lives lost to violence and those lives forever changed as a result.
Take care,
Guiyou Huang, Ph.D.
President
Western Illinois University
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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