A Message from President Hatch

Dear Wake Forest students, faculty and staff,

On Easter Sunday morning, as Christians around the globe gathered to celebrate their holiest of days, we once again were faced with the news of unimaginable tragedy. In Sri Lanka, during a series of eight bombings, at least three targeting churches, 290 people were killed and nearly 500 were injured. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who lost family members and friends in these horrendous attacks. To all Christian believers on campus and around the world, I offer my deepest condolences. What was to be a day of celebration was suddenly transformed into a day of mourning.

Regardless of religion or creed, we are all affected by attacks like this. In the past several months, we have witnessed people of various faiths suffer at the hands of those who profess hatred and practice violence. Let us not become immune to the horror of these events. Instead, let us redouble our efforts to reach out to others, seek to understand one another and work to build bridges with open and compassionate hearts and minds.

Please be conscientious about your personal wellbeing, and that of your friends, in the aftermath of this tragedy. Wake Forest offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff who are struggling or just want to talk. The University Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273 and the Office of the Chaplain may be contacted at 336-758-5210. The Employee Assistance Program is available to faculty and staff at 336-716-5493. We encourage anyone having a difficult time to seek support.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President