January 16, 2020
Dear Members of the Campus Community,
Yesterday's tragic accident has left our community in shock and grief. I have been in Florida since yesterday afternoon, spending time with the Rett family and the students and staff who are still in the hospital and their families. We are grateful to the first responders and the medical professionals who have cared for our students and athletics staff. Those who are still hospitalized are surrounded by loving support from their families, the hospital staff, and those of us who have travelled to Florida from campus.
Our community has suffered a terrible loss. Grace’s passion and spirit shone brightly in all that she did, and clearly had an impact on all who knew her. Our prayers are with Grace's family, friends and those who loved her. We also pray for healing for those who were injured, particularly Paige Cohen, Anne Comcowich, Maggie O’Leary, Bianca McIver, Hannah Strom and coach Patrick Diggins, who remain hospitalized, and for the members of the women's rowing team, their coaches, and their families. May God help us to support them and each other as we grieve and heal. We will have the opportunity in the coming weeks to gather together in remembrance and prayer. The Chaplains’ office will share that information once plans are in place.
The strength of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community is never more evident than in times of grief and sadness. The support, care, and prayers from the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø family and friends from across the country have been tremendous. We are also blessed and humbled by the outpouring of support from colleges and universities across the country, the rowing community, and the extraordinary residents and organizations in Vero Beach.
Please take the time in the coming week, while you are remembering Grace and those who have been injured, to take care of yourselves and each other. Resources are available to all members of our campus community, should you want further support:
Chaplain’s Office 508-793-2448
Counseling Center 508-793-3363
Employee Assistance Program (for faculty and staff) 800-648-9557
The Chaplain’s Office and the Counseling Center will provide space and support over the coming weekend and will communicate those details when they are available.
We are here for you, as we are all for one another.
Sincerely,
Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J.
President