Our Spartan hearts are broken

A message to the Spartan community from University Vice President, Kim Tobin

February 14, 2023

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Our Spartan hearts are broken, and while there are no adequate words to address the violence and senseless loss of life that befell our campus Monday evening, as faithful members of our community, I want to provide an update as we grieve in solidarity.

We are grateful to the first responders whose actions and communications helped save lives. The university is currently in modified operations, with designated essential employees on campus to care for and offer counseling to our students, faculty and staff.

Classes and activities have been canceled and sporting events postponed to allow time for students and the campus community to process before coming together. Classes will resume Monday, Feb. 20. As information develops, MSU will share relevant updates for the campus community here.

All known victims were students, and a vigil is planned on campus Wednesday evening in their honor. As a university, we strive to provide a nurturing living and learning environment where education thrives, and our role in University Advancement is to serve this mission by connecting you with opportunities to support the dreamers, change-makers and scholars who call MSU home. We are devastated by this tragedy and wrap our collective arms around the victims’ families and friends who face unimaginable injury and loss.

That is the Spartan will. It is resilient, hopeful and indomitable. As a community, we will come together to grieve, to begin to heal and to face what comes next. I am grateful to each of you for coming alongside us as we do and, in the words of MSU’s Alma Mater, for holding place in our hearts To give our faith so true.

Warmly,

Kim Tobin
Vice President, University Advancement