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Dear Colleagues:

It is heartbreaking to start our academic year with tragic news. One of our students, Elyse Black, passed away over the weekend.  Elyse, who was 23-year-old senior, studied Athletic Training as her major with a minor in Psychology. She was also a student-athlete, competing on the Norse women’s cross country as well as track & field teams.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Elyse friends and family in her hometown of Jackson, Ohio, as well as the members and coaches of the cross country/track & field team. Our student affairs and athletics departments will work closely with those impacted by the passing of Elyse.

We know that a loss of one of our students deeply impacts our campus community, and I ask that you care for one another during this difficult time. All of you are valued members of the Norse family.

Counselors are also available to speak with anyone – student-athletes, students, coaches, faculty or staff- who needs or would like additional support. Our Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness Office services can be reached by calling 572-5650 and its services are listed here. We also have a 24-hour crisis line at 859-572-7777, in addition to the national crisis line available at 1-800-784-2433 or by texting 741741.

I want all of you to know that you are never alone – it is okay to reach out and ask for the help and support you need. We are all Norse, and we
support each other.

With my deepest sympathy,
Ashish