To My NIU Family

I write to you today with a heavy heart regarding what took place on our campus February 14, yet I’m filled with pride by the manner in which our alma mater, and the place I call home, reacted.

On Thursday, February 14, 2008, our quiet university community, known for dedicated and hardworking students and alumni —warm and friendly people—changed abruptly. The horrific action of one person changed our university, and, in doing so, affected the lives of our students, their families, and our more than 205,000 alumni.

We remember those who lost their lives, pray for those who were injured, and honor those who responded to the emergency call. And now, NIU has begun the healing process. The university has held prayer vigils, large and small, formal and informal, at which the university community gathered to show their respect and resolve. The outpouring of sympathy and support from individuals in our extended community, throughout the country, and around the world has been overwhelming.

Alumni have called and e-mailed wondering what they can do to help. There are a number of ways you can become involved.

The university is in the process of planning a memorial service to which alumni are invited that will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center. Please visit our website for additional information on attending the event or watching the memorial with your fellow Huskies.

Also, we have created a Condolence Book for members of our NIU family to sign. Please share your thoughts and prayers by posting a message.

And, as you may be aware, the Alumni Association and the NIU Foundation have established the February 14 Student Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of the students who lost their lives in the tragic events of February 14. If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, please visit the scholarship website or contact the NIU Foundation at 1-877-GIV2NIU.

I want to pass along an excerpt from a letter that was sent to NIU faculty and staff from President John G. Peters:

The eyes of the world are focused on Northern Illinois University. Let us continue to show the world that a single act of violence does not define us and will not keep us from being the individuals or the university community that I know we can be. Above all, please keep our victims in your hearts and your prayers. God bless you all.

On behalf of the Office of Alumni Relations and the Board of Directors of the NIU Alumni Association, I want to again thank you for your support and concern for our students, faculty, and staff. Please keep the victims of February 14 and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Joseph P. Matty ’00, M.S.Ed. '06
Executive Director
NIU Alumni Association