Message from President Brown about the Memorial Service for Lingzi Lu
April 21, 2013
Dear Members of the Boston University Community:
Starting with the horrific bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the last week has been difficult for all of us, as we have been touched by the tragedy, fear, and uncertainty caused by terrorism. We have grieved for all those killed and injured by these acts, but particulary for the members of our community, graduate students Lingzi Lu, who was killed, and Danling Zhou, who was seriously injured. They and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tomorrow we will begin the return to normal operations on campus—holding classes, lectures, and seminars—returning to our important work of education and research. Doing so is difficult, as the memories of how the lives of innocent people can be devastated by such acts will endure. There are resources for discussing your feelings and concerns. Students living in a residence hall can visit a residence hall office for counseling resources. Crisis counseling services can be reached at 617-353-7277, and Student Health Services and Behavioral Medicine at 617-353-3569. Students who wish to talk to the chaplain staff should call 617-353-3560. The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office is available to provide confidential counseling to graduate students, faculty, staff, and their families.
Tomorrow evening at 7:00 P.M. we will hold a memorial service for Lingzi Lu in the George Sherman Union Ballroom. We will remember her and everything good that a bright, ambitious, and engaging student represents in our community, and, hopefully, speak about the values that make our community strong, even under such terrible circumstances.
Finally, I would like to thank the Boston University Police Department and all of our public safety and operations team. This group has worked under very difficult conditions during the last week to keep our campus safe in the heart of this great city.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Brown
President