NIU President Doug Baker
To the university community,
During this time when the new year brings hope for new beginnings and resolutions to do better, it is difficult to come to grips with the tragic loss of Quintonio LeGrier.
Quintonio, a student on our campus this past semester, was shot and killed during an incident with Chicago police the morning after Christmas. I cannot imagine the pain and sadness experienced by his family and friends, a group that includes many of our students. The NIU community and I mourn with them.
The death of Quintonio and others lost to violence in Chicago and across our nation speaks to the need to mobilize communities around solutions that will make a difference. Toward that end, I am proud of the several members of our Huskie family who participated in a New Year’s Eve peace march in Chicago organized by Father Michael Pfleger.
As we return to work and to classes, let us come together as a community to support one another. I urge all students, faculty and staff who are grieving to take advantage of the counseling services provided on our campus. NIU staff members are here to support you.
Meanwhile, let us commit to finding ways to prevent tragedies related to violence—and to promoting peace and understanding in our communities. By coming together as a caring community, I’m confident we can move forward together.
