Campus & community, Campus news

Campus responds to Boston bombing

By Public Affairs

In response to the Boston marathon bombing, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau has sent the following letter:

Dear UC Berkeley campus community:

After the shock of Monday’s attack at the Boston Marathon, and as we continue to process the horror of this terrible violence, I am writing to express our campus community’s sorrow and to offer condolences to all those who are victims of this unprovoked act of terror.

Mary Catherine and I have lived, worked and raised our family in Boston. We learned first-hand of some of the effects of Monday’s events from one of our close family members who is a clinical psychologist helping victims.

Members of our community were in Boston Monday, both running in the marathon and as spectators. Many others have competed in past, or know those who have. The notion that an event that celebrates the human spirit could be the focus of a terrorist act fills us with repulsion and affects us deeply. For those members of our community who might need counseling services, I remind you that the Tang Center is available.

Yours sincerely,

Robert J. Birgeneau