Campus & community, Campus news

Dirks responds to Santa Barbara tragedy; vigil at Berkeley

By Public Affairs

Saying that “today we are all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of California, Santa Barbara,” UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks sent a message of deep condolences to Berkeley’s sister campus in response to Friday’s shootings.

Also, Berkeley students planned a candlelight vigil for 8 p.m. Wednesday on Memorial Glade as a shared expression of grief and solidarity with Santa Barbara. More information is posted at the UCSB Candlelight Vigil at UC Berkeley event page on Facebook.

In his message, Dirks wrote: “Today we are all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Today we are not separated by distance, time or campus affiliation. We now stand together, as one, in mourning, loss and support for families, friends and colleagues who must deal with a tragedy that defies description.

“Together we hope and pray that our unity, sympathy and compassion can somehow help to lighten the load being carried by the victims’ loved ones, the survivors and the communities that surround them. Our hearts may be broken, but I believe that we can and must draw on the strength of our collective spirit to keep us from surrendering to the forces of darkness and despair.

“On behalf of the Berkeley campus I send our deepest condolences and profound wishes for a better tomorrow.”

All around the UC system, flags will fly at half-staff through June 1, at the request of UC President Janet Napolitano. Her message can be read on the UC Berkeley NewsCenter.