University of California President Janet Napolitano and Board of Regents Chairman Monica Lozano made the following statements today (Nov. 5) about the tragic events at UC Merced:
Janet Napolitano, president, University of California
“I am deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy on the University of California’s Merced campus, as are students, faculty and staff across the UC system. We sympathize with the stabbing victims and their families, and are grateful that all four individuals who were injured are expected to recover.
“Chancellor Dorothy Leland and her staff have handled the situation and its aftermath admirably. They have ensured that counseling services are readily available to students, faculty and staff at UC Merced. We deeply appreciate all of their efforts. And we owe special praise to the students, contracted worker and campus police officers who acted so quickly to help the victims and to prevent more harm.”
Monica Lozano, chairman, UC Board of Regents
“On behalf of the University of California’s Board of Regents, all of us are shocked when the peaceful environment of a campus is violated by violence. Yet, in the wake of the tragic events at UC Merced, we are heartened by the way people have come together across the UC community to support the victims and their families. We, too, stand in support of the victims and their families.
“Gatherings such as the vigils this week provide the opportunity to express our compassion as a community, to offer gratitude to those who prevented further violence, and to remind ourselves, collectively, of the power of our enduring resilience.”