Grand Valley sends support to NIU

When classes resumed Monday at Northern Illinois University more than 500 volunteer counselors were on campus to assist students and faculty after the tragic shootings February 14. Among them were staff members from Grand Valley State University’s Counseling Center.

Director Barbara Palombi, Coordinator of Crisis Intervention Eric Klingensmith, and Sue Dilsworth, an aftercare specialist, arrived Sunday on the NIU campus in Dekalb, Ill. to offer assistance with staff and about 25,000 students. They will remain on campus through Tuesday, February 26.

“All of us at Grand Valley are impacted whenever circumstances occur as at NIU,” said Thomas J. Haas, president of Grand Valley. “We send our condolences to the NIU community, especially the families of those who lost loved ones or were injured. I was very humbled that Grand Valley was asked to help, and know that our professionals are lending their expertise to our neighbors.”

Grand Valley Student Senate members Samia Cheema and Jeanine Anderson organized a show of support during the men’s and women’s home basketball games last week. A moment of silence was scheduled before each game and students were encouraged to wear black instead of Laker blue. The group is also planning to send a letter of condolence this week along with a Grand Valley flag they brought to the games for people to sign.