Dear Campus Community,
Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones in Orlando, Florida, following the tragic events over the weekend. We stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando, with our LGBTQ friends and family, and join communities both at home and abroad to express our support for all who are grieving over this senseless and tragic loss of lives.
As we learned that two of the victims of this vicious attack have ties to Massachusetts, we are reminded of the interconnectedness we share as a people. As an academic community, we are also called to uphold our educational and civic values, including civil discourse, diversity and respect.
I want to remind our community that MassBay offers free counseling services on campus for students who are in distress or need guidance to help process this weekend’s events. Counseling services are also available to groups of students who may want to process the events together. Students can call 781-239-3142 to make an appointment, or visit the counseling offices in Student Development on the Wellesley Hills campus.
Faculty and staff have access to free counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (www.HigherEdEAP.com). Faculty and staff can access more information about EAP and benefits by visiting the website or by calling 800-225-2527 or 800-252-4555.
There are many ways to come together, and I just wanted to share one gathering hosted by one of MassBay’s long-time community partners, World of Wellesley. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight, World of Wellesley will hold a candlelight vigil on the Wellesley Town Hall Green to provide members of this and surrounding communities an opportunity to stand together for peace, love, and healing.
In the coming days as we learn more about this tragic event and about those who have been lost or injured, let us keep each other close and support one another.
Thank you.
Lynn Hunter
Interim President