Following the news of the shooting on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, President Durden joined higher education leaders from around the nation in offering condolences.

The text of his e-mail message to the Dickinson College community appears here.

Dear Members of the Dickinson College Community:

I wanted you to know that early this morning I extended, on behalf of our community, condolences to the president of Northern Illinois University and his community at this moment of tragedy and extreme sorrow.

As individuals and as a community, we should extend our thoughts and prayers to Northern Illinois University in this time of sorrow and challenge. There are several Facebook groups that are receiving such condolences, including one called "Pray for Northern Illinois University Students and Families,” which as of this afternoon had more than 56,000 members. There also is a “Condolences” section on the university’s home page at www.niu.edu.

The American flag on the John Dickinson campus will be flown at half-staff to reflect our community's sorrow for the tragedy that has occurred on the Northern Illinois University campus. Student Life will be assisting Dickinson students to organize a vigil. More information will available soon.

Sincerely,

Bill Durden '71
President