In his weekly letter to the University of Idaho community, President C. Scott Green reflected on Wednesday’s campus vigil mourning four slain U of I students.
But Green also noted fundraising efforts to support the families of the homicide victims: Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. And he reflected on an outpouring of support beyond campus, from a Magic Valley high school to a university classroom in upstate New York.
“I hope you find solace, as we do, knowing that thousands of people stand in solidarity with us and mourn alongside us,” Green wrote Friday.
Here is Green’s letter, in full:
“The tragedy that rocked our campus and our community on Nov. 13 continues to challenge us. The loss of four members of our Vandal family still grieves us.
“But amidst our sorrow, we’re humbled by the many acts of kindness and support for our campus. Wednesday’s vigil in the Kibbie Dome drew thousands of friends, family and community members in person and thousands more online. Vandal students, employees and community members also gathered in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and several other towns across Idaho.
“Stadium lights, porch lights and candles shined across our great state and around the world as people united through this shared loss.
“I hope you find solace, as we do, knowing that thousands of people stand in solidarity with us and mourn alongside us.
“More than $150,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to support the families of Ethan, Xana, Madison and Kaylee. Vandals are stepping up to support the Bruce and Kathy Pitman Fund for Student Emergencies, and the Sigma Chi Foundation established the Ethan Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor Ethan’s life. Numerous other efforts are underway to honor the victims and to support our current and future students.
“In addition, people from across the globe offer their empathy and encouragement. The staff at South Boise Women’s Correctional Center all wore Vandal gear at work Nov. 16, ‘to help students and families know they aren’t alone.’ At Kimberly High School, students and staff wore black and gold to stand in unity with the U of I community. Employees at Blue Cross of Idaho were encouraged to wear black and gold Wednesday in a show of support. And philosophy students at SUNY Cortland College in upstate New York sent handwritten letters to console our students.
“We appreciate the outpouring of support in all forms. Each encouraging word and expression of kindness reminds us that there is hope and light despite the loss we’ve suffered. In the most trying times, the Vandal Family and our friends are what get us through.”
