The Temple community this week has experienced another loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, faculty members and classmates of Cariann Hithon, a 22-year-old political science major who transferred to Temple in the spring from Hampton University in Virginia. 

 

Cariann’s recent death in Miami Beach, Florida, adds to the sorrow we have been feeling this semester upon the losses of students Jenna Burleigh and Richard Dalcourt. To have three deaths in such a short period is unusual and has an impact on the entire Temple family. We want to make sure that each person in our community is cared for during this time of sorrow.

 

I have contacted the Temple University Interfaith Council, which represents diverse faiths, and asked them to do whatever they can to help their communities find comfort and solace. 

 

In addition, various Temple departments, working with Temple Student Government, plan to hold an evening of healing at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, in The Underground of the Student Center. 

 

There, anyone who is moved to do so can gather and comfort one another in response to tragedies that have affected our campus community, the nation and the world. This will be an opportunity to show our unity, compassion and resilience. It will also be a chance to learn more about campus resources, including our Tuttleman Counseling Services, that can help each of us in times of sorrow. 

 

The most important point is this: We are here for you. While this has been a difficult time, I am confident in the strength of our community and the many ways in which we support one another every day. 

 

Richard M. Englert

President