A message to students following the loss of two classmates

To our students,  

We are heartbroken by the loss of two beloved friends from our community. A tragedy like this is so hard to make sense of, and it can leave us feeling shaken, empty, or even lost. Please know that whatever you are feeling right now is real and valid. 

During times like these, it is important to lean on one another for comfort. Share your stories and memories of Noah and Scott, mourn together or just find a place to sit in silence if that’s what you need. Grief affects all of us differently. It is not linear and does not follow a timetable. Most importantly, remember that grieving is not something you have to do alone.  

If you find yourself struggling, we hope you will reach out — to friends, to campus ministers, to counselors, or to the many staff and faculty on this campus who care about you. You are surrounded by people who want to walk with you, hold space for you and remind you that love and community remain even in the hardest of times.  

Please don’t hesitate to use our campus resources, and encourage fellow students who may need support to do the same. None of us will walk this road alone. 

Here are some specific places you can rely on for support: 

• Counseling Center staff are available 24/7 by calling (414) 288-7172 and selecting option 2; Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility. Staff are available to support you immediately if needed. 
• If you are concerned about yourself or another student, please submit a CARE referral. That will ensure that you or someone you know receives information regarding resources as well as follow-up contact. 
• Campus Ministry is available to provide support to you. Please drop by AMU 236 to talk to one of their ministers for support. 
• Marquette’s sacred spaces are accessible for prayer and reflection. St. Joan of Arc Chapel tours have been canceled this week to ensure the chapel will serve as a space of solace and prayer. 
• A Taize Prayer will be held Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. in St. Joan of Arc Chapel. 
• You are invited to join members of our campus community in sharing messages of support in chalk in front of the Gratitude Garden – an opportunity to come together and channel our emotions during this difficult time. 

Lean into your relationships with one another and seek out communal spaces, whether through student orgs, clubs, study groups or campus community spaces. Sharing these moments of connection can provide comfort, remind you of your belonging, and help us cope with this loss to our community. Above all, take gentle care of yourself and of one another. Our prayers and our hearts are with you. 

In care and compassion,