A message from President Harward to the Bates College Community:

Since Sunday, we have struggled as a community with the singular horror and sense of loss we feel in the tragic death of our colleague, friend, and classmate, Morgan McDuffee.  We acknowledge our grief and efforts of consolation in multiple and personal ways.

Tomorrow, March 7, funeral services for Morgan will be held in Peterborough, New Hampshire.  As we have previously announced, transportation will be provided to those who wish to attend.  Classes will be held in accordance with the established schedule, although some cancellations may be in effect to allow students and faculty members who wish to attend the funeral to do so.  Offices will be open as usual, although with reduced staffing in some cases.

Members of the community who remain on campus tomorrow are asked to pause at noon for a moment of silence marked by the tolling of bells in honor of Morgan and in recognition of our sorrow and loss.  In addition, some members of the community may privately wish to recognize their thoughts and feelings in ways which preclude keeping their daily work routine. They will be supported, as will those in our community who find the maintenance of their studies and their schedules the source of their way of seeking consolation.  Scheduled events, visits, and organizational meetings will not be canceled, but some may be rescheduled to a later date.

To allow our community to come together as one to pay tribute to Morgan and to recognize our shared loss and sense of grief, an on-campus memorial service will be planned in cooperation with Morgan's family and friends. Details will be forthcoming as soon as they are known.

Thank you for all that you are doing to help each other affirm our sorrow and reaffirm the bonds of our community.

Donald W. Harward
President

March 6:

March 5:

March 5:

March 5: