We are all deeply saddened by the news of the tragedy at Northern Illinois University. The senseless shooting of students on a college campus is impossible to understand. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have been affected. At McKendree we are particularly distraught to learn that Ryanne Mace, the granddaughter of alum and loyal trustee Miley Palmer and his wife Janet, was among those who lost their lives.

I know we experience a wide range of emotions in times like these. I encourage you to reach out to others, to support one another and to seek support from our counseling and Chaplain’s offices if needed. It’s also a good time to once again encourage members of the community to participate in our emergency text messaging program. You may sign up for this by going to the McKendree Emergency Alert System on the university web-site.          

We must all take responsibility for our community and the safety of our members. Each of us has to be prepared to know what to do in an emergency.

I ask that we keep the members of the Northern Illinois University in our thoughts and prayers and that we all commit to ensuring the safety of the McKendree community.

James M. Dennis

President