Letter from President Floyd
For WSU Faculty & Staff
May 22, 2007
Dear Colleagues,
The tragic shootings this past weekend in our neighboring community of Moscow have touched two departments at Washington State University as we learned late Monday morning. There likely are others among you whose lives were touched by this very sad and sobering chain of events.
On behalf of the WSU community, I extend condolences to Rebecca Newbill who lost her husband Sergeant Lee Newbill. Rebecca has worked as an early childhood specialist in our Children's Center for almost ten years. Many of you know her through her excellent interactions with you and your children.
In addition, I express deepest sympathies to the faculty and staff of our Edward R. Murrow School of Communication who lost a new member of their staff, Crystal Hamilton. While she had been there less than a month, many had come to know and like her.
I cannot know others of you who may be grieving at the loss of friends or who are worrying about those who are injured. You surely have my sympathies as well.
At times like this, coming together with friends and neighbors is an important part of grieving and healing. I understand that the Moscow Interfaith Association has organized a Community Gathering and Prayer Vigil for four nights. They started last evening and continue Tuesday, May 22, through Thursday, May 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Moscow on Third Street, across from the High School.
While I have just joined you, I know how caring and
supportive the WSU community is. I know you will reach
out to colleagues affected by this tragedy.
Sincerely,