Chancellor sends letter to community on recent events, upcoming tributes to fallen officer.
On Saturday, April 20, MIT Chancellor Eric Grimson sent the following letter to members of the MIT community in response
to this week's tragic events.
Dear Members of the MIT Community:
We have lived through a week that began with bombings at the Boston Marathon and ended with a night of violence that
took the life of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier. Today, we share a sense of relief that order has been restored, and we
turn now to mourn Officer Collier and the victims of the bombings, and to honor the service of so many.
A strong MIT
As a longtime member of the MIT community, I am proud of how the people of MIT handled themselves during this ordeal.
Members of our community provided aid and comfort under extraordinary circumstances. I have heard stories of students in
our Boston fraternities and sororities who reached out to help those in need directly after the Marathon explosions. MIT
groups and dormitories created memorials to Officer Collier and are offering warm gestures of support to our MIT Police
officers. I am grateful for everyone's patience and cooperation with the "shelter in place" orders of yesterday, which
made it easier for our staff to ensure that the community was safe during the manhunt. I am also grateful for all that
individuals have done to support and console each other within our community.
Honoring Officer Sean Collier
Above all, I am profoundly grateful for the service and supreme sacrifice of Officer Collier, who was an extraordinary
young man, an excellent police officer, and a truly beloved member of our community. MIT is in consultation with his
family around opportunities to honor his memory. We are planning a major campus event to take place this week:
communications will go out as soon as possible. We will also offer guidance for those who would like to make financial
contributions that honor Officer Collier's memory.
Support and counseling
This has been a painful time. For those who may feel the need for personal support, please remember that MIT Medical, S3, ODGE, the Chaplains, housemasters and residential life staff are all available to help.
Events such as we have endured during the past week test us, and it has been reassuring to see how the MIT community has
shown its strength and decency. To everyone across the Institute who has helped secure our campus, comfort others,
ensure continued access to resources, and strengthen our community, thank you.
Sincerely,
Eric Grimson
Chancellor
Bernard Gordon Professor of Medical Engineering, EECS, MIT
ENDS