Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:
As we return to campus following Spring Break, I want to acknowledge the profound weight of this moment for our University. Returning after the recent tragedy brings a wide range of emotions, such as anxiety, grief, and a deep need for connection. Please know that you do not have to carry these feelings alone. Our primary focus this week, and in the weeks ahead, is your well-being. To that end, we have mobilized every resource at our disposal to ensure every member of our community has the support needed.
In the midst of the pain we feel, we are also reminded of the extraordinary courage within our ranks. We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid to Lieutenant Colonel Brandon A. Shah ’07, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his students, and to the brave cadets whose swift and selfless actions shielded countless others. Their bravery in the face of danger stands as a testament to the character and spirit of our community, even in our darkest hours. Alongside them, we recognize the many faculty and staff, as well as students, emergency responders, and law enforcement, who stepped forward with heroic acts and leadership in the midst of the crisis. From those who offered life-saving aid to those who provided calm guidance and shelter, these individuals embodied the very best of us. We will forever honor their heroism and their quiet leadership, as well as the care they provided and the lives they saved.
To support our community in this transition, the Office of Counseling Services has established drop-in hours from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout this week for those needing immediate support. Students also have 24/7 access to mental health professionals through TimelyCare. For our faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program remains available for confidential counseling, and we have arranged for on-site grief counselors to provide focused support. For additional details about crisis support and ongoing support for students, faculty, and staff, please visit https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/support-resources.
Beyond clinical resources, we have created physical spaces for connection and peace. A dedicated Reflection Room is available in the Webb Center, Room 1105 for those who need a quiet environment. Throughout campus, you will also see Campus Care Stations with trained volunteers offering a supportive presence. Additionally, our University Chaplains are available for anyone seeking spiritual guidance or a space for prayer.
As we re-engage with campus life, I ask that we move with a heightened sense of empathy and a gentle heart toward one another. Healing is not a linear process; it is a personal and often difficult journey that requires time, space, and the unwavering presence of a supportive community. Please look out for your peers, your colleagues, and yourselves with renewed kindness. If you find yourself struggling, please reach out. There is no shame in seeking a helping hand, and there is great strength in allowing others to help carry the weight with you.
Our resilience is not measured by how quickly we grieve and process, but by how deeply we hold one another up through the difficult moments. We are more than just a University; we are a family. We will walk this path toward healing together, one step at a time, ensuring that no Monarch has to walk alone. At the same time, we will continue to provide updates regarding campus safety measures and community gatherings. For now, we will focus on being present for and with each other.
As Monarchs, we are stronger together as a caring community united in grief, resilience, and strength. And, we will get through this week, the remainder of the semester, and beyond with the presence and support of our fellow Monarchs and the broader community. Welcome home. We are glad you are here.
Forever Monarch Strong,
Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President