Dear Members of the Aquinas College Community,
Today, let us pause and reflect as a community on the death of 26-year-old Grand Rapids resident Patrick Lyoya who was killed on April 4th.
We mourn Mr. Lyoya and pray for his family and friends as they grieve and seek truth and justice for their loved one. Aquinas College believes unequivocally in the dignity of the human person, and we believe that respect for this dignity is the very foundation of justice. Aquinas College understands that this moment will be felt deeply by many of our students, employees, neighbors, and friends. It will be felt extraordinarily heavily among members of our Black community, who have far too often endured similar tragedies. We exclaim our sympathies and we mourn with you. As the video depicting the tragic events that resulted in Mr. Lyoya’s death is released today by law enforcement, and as the investigation develops, please know that we hold you in prayers and stand in solidarity with you now and always.
Aquinas College respects the choice of all individuals to engage in activities associated with this tragedy as they see fit; however, all Aquinas College-sponsored learning and co-curricular activities in the vicinity of downtown Grand Rapids will be suspended through tomorrow 4/14. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in the interests of the safety and welfare of our community.
If you need support in any way, please know that you are not alone. There are several free and confidential resources on campus to help you process these difficult emotions, including:
- Counseling Health and Wellness Center at CHWS@aquinas.edu or (616) 632-2905
- Campus Ministry: Father Stan at sad004@aquinas.edu or (616) 632-2491 and Father Bob at rk003@aquinas.edu
- Center for Diversity Inclusion & Equity (CDI&E) at mem014@aquinas.edu (note: not a confidential office, but a place for support)
Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Equity and Student Affairs will offer an open space for support and community this Thursday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Moose Cafe. All are welcome.
Today and in the days to follow, please take care of yourselves and take care of your fellow Saints with compassion and respect.
Sincerely,
Steve
Stephen Germic, Ph.D.
Provost, Dean of Faculty, Interim President
Alicia
Alicia A. Lloyd, M.Ed
Dean of Students